The Beavers and I

Before the fires here in New Mexico caused the state parks to shut down, my husband and I spent our evenings hiking through a wildlife area, One of our favorite places within this area is a small marshy pond inhabited by several families of ducks and beavers. The beavers have always been shy and we had never been able to see them up close. We only caught glimpses of them as they hid on the far side of the pond amidst the reeds and cattails, away from the hiking trail and people.

One evening at sunset we quietly approached the pond hoping to see the beavers up close, but they were no where in sight. We waited a bit and were about to leave when I told my husband that I wanted to go to the water's edge and invite them to come out. I stood on the shore, and although I couldn't see them, I could feel them watching me. I called out in a soft voice that I have used over the years with other wildlife. Unknown to me, my husband was a few feet behind me filming me while I set up my camera and talked with the beavers. Once the beavers appeared I turned on my camera as they came out of hiding, and filmed this spontaneous video.

Slowly they emerged from the back of the pond and the reeds, and one by one they swam toward me. As you will see in the video, the first beaver came right up to the shore, within two feet of me. He floated in the water, just listening to me talk with him. I was moved to tears. I could feel both his curiosity and love. Then all the other beavers, about five in all, came up to me one at a time and swam back and forth in front of me. They each stopped and just looked at me, smelled the air for my scent, and turned their ears as they listened to my soft voice.

Although this experience was profoundly moving and similar to those I had in the Daintree Rainforest of Australia, I decided that I probably won't do it again for reasons I mention in my book, "Naked in Eden: My Adventure and Awakening in the Australian Rainforest" (see excerpt below). It is an astounding gift to be able to "call in" wildlife and speak with them, but it is also a gift that I must treated with great awareness and care.

I wouldn't tame my wild friends. Not when I desperately sought freedom through my own wildness. I had to be extremely aware of how I behaved, and careful not to teach the wildlife to trust my kind. Sometimes we humans can be irresponsible and out of control. It's heartbreaking when the need to connect and communicate with other species sometimes is a very real one, but not always a safe prospect for the last remaining wildlife. The next person might not behave as kindly. (Excerpt: Naked in Eden)

For weeks after this experience I could feel the beavers and my connection to them. I have learned that wildlife is as intelligent as I am. It is just whether I am observant and intelligent enough to understand it. I have also learned that after only one interaction, animals often remember me, sometimes even months later.

Love,
Robin

PS: I am deeply grateful for all the loving comments and support on my last video "Living with Fire". Your support was very heartfelt and much needed. It was a trying time. Unless one has lived through such extreme smoke, it is hard to even imagine. The fires became much worse before they were brought under control. But we are finally having consistently cleaner air. The new danger is flash flooding as there is no growth on the mountains to hold the water if it rains

(c) Robin Easton
www.nakedineden.com

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People & Blogs

[rovingrepairbot]

Such a marvelous story and magnificent footage! Thank you for sharing this! I am reminded of a time when something very similar happened to me involving a family of otters I discovered while hiking in a semi-remote area about 25 miles from my home here in Vancouver, Washington. I was surprised to find these wonderful creatures and overjoyed to be able to photograph and film them. I am going to upload a video and slideshow of them someday. You inspire me! Thank you!

[RainforestRobin]

@rovingrepairbot Just love ur enthusiasm & love of life & nature. So contagious. And thank u, my friend, for ur kind words. I loved doing this video. No matter how many times I "call in" wildlife, I'm always speechless & honored when they come closer to connect w me. It's SUCH an honor to be trusted by them. AND I'd LOVE to see a video of ur otters. They're so playful & curious. Ur nature vids r FABULOUS. I encourage you to do more!! U've a natural talent 4 them. They;re GOOD :)

[CHINNUJACK]

The Wildlife is not our world...But we can be a chosen guests there once in a while....wildlife is the home of meditation ♥♥♥

[RainforestRobin]

@CHINNUJACK Love the way you worded this. Yes, we are guests in the wild world. And we are usually chosen. Wildlife is very smart and they know who they usually know who they can trust. It is a great honor to be "chosen" and trusted by the wild creatures. And I LOVE how you said "Wildlife is the home of meditation." THAT is beautiful and so so true. Blessings my friend. :)

[Susanna129]

“There are no better feelings like to have a true friend, a friend that is there for you always to the end. I cherish your friendship because you are so special to me and a lovely Friend that inspires me… My best wishes with a thank you note to you dear Angel and a cherished friend too. ~ By Zuzanna

Beautiful video, a healing process when contact with Nature begins...

“Love always...Zuzanna♥

[RainforestRobin]

@Susanna129 - Dearest Zuzanna, You are always part of me, no matter how long we go between contact. You always will be. This note of yours reflects your ability to love unconditionally, with a truly compassionate and open heart. I thank you from my heart for all the beauty you have brought into my life. There were so many days that you kept me going. I loved the poem you wrote in reply to me. It so generously loving. Much love to you dear friend, Robin <3

[rovingrepairbot]

@RainforestRobin Thanks so much! I will make that otter video one day!

[spamstoper3]

excellent !

5*****

[Susanna129]

@RainforestRobin @~ Post 2.) I have not realize how busy I will be here with the You Tube and the songs.

Working with a singer Dave Lennard from Scotland. He sings like Elvis Presley and people demanding songs from him. I am helping to build videos for him to make the complete set. It has been really great response for the last two of his songs. I am far from bragging but it is all visible that anyone can check. Sending much love, I will never forget you...You are in my heart...Love Zuzanna

[Susanna129]

@RainforestRobin ~ Dear Robin, it is such a busy time for me here on You Tube. I was ill for a while and had to go away from the SU. There was to much for me so many wants and was not able to cope with all the requests. I am glad I left from there because i was called to a different mission over here. Now I have a directions in my life and what the Great Spirit wanted me to do. People need LOVE............More in next post...Love you, Zuzanna