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28 Hudson Valley Parent n April 2017 colony of ants or insect larvae. Then the bird pulls its food of choice into its mouth using a specially adapted tongue. Bird lore is fascinating; there's always a story going on. Birding by ear creates a delicious layer in life that rises above the everyday stuff. I recall our senses being in full throt- tle. I felt so alive surrounded by the aroma of the balsam firs and on alert for the sight for wildlife. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of leaves creating ever-changing shad- ows on the ground. That early morning walk felt like a treasure hunt. It is wonderful to bond with na- ture when one is young, but it's nev- er too late to put aside the electronic devices and open new doors. There's a world to explore right in your backyard, or perhaps right along the street where you live. There are parks, farms, and outdoor museums where you can use all your senses to go on a quest and discover what nature has to offer. Let's imagine, for a moment, you convince your child or children to dis- connect from all circuitry and spend time together getting your 'Vitamin N.' One outing in the fascinating nat- ural world might just develop into a lifelong hobby or even a career. You never know what you will "It is wonderful to bond with nature when one is young, but it's never too late to put aside the electronic devices and to open new doors." 'VITAMIN N' (Continued from Page 27)