I’ve been following pronghorn for years. They have much to teach us.
A restless past
In the distant past, I was always restless, bounding from place to place, relationship to relationship. Once I started sensing my roots taking hold, I would break free, fleeing restraints. I sprinted towards the next place or person. Like an animal being pursued by a predator, I found it easier to run.
Following Pronghorn
One day I started thinking of pronghorns, those iconic creatures of the Wild West, differently. Maybe I could learn something from them. They are a one-of-a-kind animal, not quite fitting into any family. I felt that way too and I began following pronghorn.
If pronghorns encounter obstacles, they cannot leap over them, they must find a way under or around them. I honed my skills at getting out of difficult situations. Finding the path is not always easy.
Pronghorn’s excellent vision and enormous eyes give them a 320-degree field of vision. I broadened my views and opened my eyes to observe more of the world around me.
In parts of their range, pronghorn migrate seasonally, while in other locations, they stay year-round. I migrated from the rain forest to the High Desert where I found a comfortable life. It’s the right habitat for me throughout the year.
Pronghorns are cautious yet curious. They have come within inches of me, close enough to inhale the scent of their musky perfume. It’s difficult to let your guard down, but it’s okay to let curiosity guide you once in a while.
Though capable of traveling at amazing speeds, pronghorn spend much of their time grazing. I’m not fleet of foot, but I found the pace that works best for me. Fast is not always better.
In winter, pronghorn live in large herds. At other times of the year, they travel in small groups or alone. Large groups are fine at certain times, but it’s okay to find comfort alone or with just a few.
Rooted in place
Pronghorn settled into High Desert environments best suited for them to survive. They are rooted in the West.
Other restless wanderers blow by me, like tumbleweeds tossed by the wind. I allow my roots to grow through sandy soil and anchor themselves under boulders, dense and volcanic. This is home.
Excellent post! Love your analogies.
Thanks so much, Dianne! 😁
Very clever Siobhan – wonderful analogies. Your images are lovely as well. everything worked in this one.
Thanks, Tina. I had fun with that one. 🙂
Beautiful thoughts and photos!
Thank you, Rebecca!
What an excellent read Siobhan – it totally fits the LAC theme of ‘getting to know you’ while also teaching us a lot about these elegant animals 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! They are one of my favorite animals. 😁
Thanks for joining the challenge and for sharing these awesome creatures with us! I fell in love with pronghorn, too, on road trips to National Parks in the West. They are truly and uniquely of the US and so elegant to see in motion. I also find that Nature has so many valuable lessons to teach us when we observe with an open mind and heart. Great post!
Thank you! They are a special kind of animal, unlike any other.
Love this set of images. Great captures of analogies. I love the pronghorn, he was posing for you. 🙂
Thanks! Yes, I was really close to one of those pronghorn. I kept backing away slowly and he kept following me. He was very curious.
Great photos, wonderful commentary. Excellent.
Thank you, John!
Your post brings home the point that we have a lot to learn from animals. I love that you have an affinity for the pronghorn and were open to learning from it. I haven’t seen them up close until now. I appreciate your love of them and your wonderful photos!
Your post took me back to a moment in time, the ES.Library and a dialogue about your time at the Pronghorn preserve down in Oregon. I believe you really did relate to the animals as you considered your future. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! That conversation took place so long ago, but yes, I learned to appreciate High Desert critters.
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