Gifts From My Backyard

I learn a lot from enjoying life in my backyard. My ears perk up listening to the sounds of a red-crested woodpecker helping itself to bugs in our maple tree, and I am thankful to be relieved of the crawly creatures it consumes.  I once spotted a hawk atop the highest pine tree and did a double-take when I realized a snake dangled from its beak. I was grateful for its predatory nature.  

An anhinga (also known as a snakebird) lives around our pond. It extends its snake-like neck before it dives underwater searching for fish, seemingly holding its breath for an eternity. When it finally emerges, it sits atop a log or brush pile, spreading its wings to dry. Once, a brown owl let me take its picture before it disappeared into the canopy. 

The bright red cardinals chase their mates from tree to tree. Every spring, families of ducks glide across the mirror-like water. Gray herons sometimes land and wade before they take flight, and flocks of white egrets sometimes flock around the water’s edge, grazing the shoreline, looking for goodies. 

Then there are the chickens, endlessly pecking and scratching at the ground, or perching, preening, and cleaning. They give us perfect eggs every day, and I marvel at their productivity. Each of these birds has given me joy in some way, just by their existence and by doing what is natural for them. 

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”—1 Corinthians 12:4–7

This past weekend, I was blessed to attend the Catholic Writers Guild (CWG) Online Conference. I came away with deep gratitude for this group, realizing these Catholic authors and presenters are gifts from my writing backyard.  This community provides a rich, robust environment for cultivating the writing life and encouraging one another at every stage. I came away resolved to hone my own gift and let that light shine in whatever way God directs it. Through the years, the CWG has helped me gain greater confidence, challenged me to step out in faith, and grow as a writer. For all these backyard gifts, thank you, Lord.

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.”—Matthew 5: 15–1

Copyright Paula Veloso Babadi 2026

Edited by Gabriella Batel

Brown owl photo taken by the author in her backyard.