Wildlife In The Time Of Coronavirus

Boars in Barcelona are munching on the city’s trash. Now
scores of wildebeest have been spotted in Torquay. A hotelier
is tracking their progress. Deer have broken into a garden centre
and are snacking on potted plants. Lions, tigers, elephants,

sheep and raccoons are roaming deserted streets. While we
sleep, or lie awake, creatures of the night keep an eye on
things, as they’ve always done, but each new day
brings fresh wildlife news. Nature is thriving. In

Venice canals are clearer, thanks to lockdown. Look down
- small fish are visible, and scuttling crabs. That dolphins
have been glimpsed there is not true but cormorants
can be seen. Much closer to home

doves are cooing on our strangely empty road. (It’s Spring:
is love in the air?). And looking out I see a rabbit
hopping between permanently parked cars. I’m
hoping no fiercer creature is on its way. Though if his favourite

dinosaur (a Brachiosaurus) made an appearance outside
our door, our lad would be over the moon. And our
firstborn would be deliriously happy if a graceful
unicorn trotted by. And, dear reader, so would I.