Into the Woods with Curio: Community in Winter
Doug Smith
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Have you seen any turkeys at camp? These big birds are becoming more and more common in Muskoka, and winter is an especially good time to see them, when they flock together. Well, not entirely together. The ‘toms’, as the males are called, form their own groups, and the hens have their own groups. And the teenagers, known as ‘jakes’, have their own groups, though sometimes they stay near a group of hens. But they are together with others of their kind to help them survive the colder months. Historically turkeys may not have been very common in Muskoka, as they don’t always do well with deep snow. But since wild turkeys were re-introduced into Ontario in 1984 they have expanded their range.
By sticking together in locations that offer adequate food sources, safety from predators, and good places to roost they increase their odds for surviving the winter. A fellow, (and former neighbour) we know in Muskoka feeds over 40 turkeys all winter. Staying near locations that are closer to people helps the birds stay safer from would-be predators, such as coyotes. This same spot is also near a mature coniferous stand, which the turkeys fly into each night for roosting. Yes, turkeys are great fliers, although they are more often seen walking or running along the ground (they can run at almost 20 kilometres an hour!)
Turkeys are not the only animals that gather in groups, of course. Many animals get together in community groups to help them make it through the winter. Other bird species, such as chickadees, goldfinches, snow buntings, and ducks flock together to survive the cold months. The deer in Muskoka go into ‘yards’, which are a series of connecting paths in a hemlock stand for shelter. It is usually near a lake or stream.
For all of these animals it is a mutually beneficial arrangement. As mentioned, the reasons are obvious, such as safety and finding food. But there could be more to it than that. There are many anecdotes about the care some animals have for each other in their group. Science won’t back this up, as love isn’t a measurable scientific thing. But it can’t be ignored.
Beacon is a community, and we are brought together for many reasons. But God’s love is the most compelling, and this shows in its effect on the many people that come to camp and come back, again and again. We all need a community that loves unconditionally, something we will have in perfection when we are with the Lord in heaven.