A look at May Day on this Memorial Day

May Day, May Day, May Day.

No, not the universal distress call, although that could be fairly appropriate for most of us these contentious days.

May Days — I’m referring to those magical transforming days we witnessed last month that exude hope and life.

The landscape and foliage turned from dull browns and greys to an ever-increasing cheerful promise of lush greens with a multitude of vibrant and delightful colors. It was like nourishment for our souls.

May is nature’s time to put a smile on our faces. Trees and flowers started to come into blossom, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and beauty. It is one of my favorite months of the year.

It is the time to prepare the veggie garden for planting and to spruce up the flower beds. A time to grab a good book and bask in the last rays of the day’s sun. We nourish the gardens and get to watch them grow.

Birds change from their dull winter’s coat of feathers to a varying array of colors while voicing their cheerful concerts. We’ve got to keep the feeders and birdbaths full, as little ones will visit soon.

Early mornings may find me concealed upon a mountainside awaiting dawn’s first light. I like to witness fog-enshrouded valleys, the mist slowly dissipating with the gathering light. My eyes and ears stay alert for my quarry, the ever-elusive eastern tom turkey, while I’m treated to a concert of awakening bird songs and sightings.

Every minute of every morning is worth the effort and the lack of sleep. I get to witness nature’s theater of eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, ospreys, herons, geese, ducks, bluebirds — all just arrived — along with orioles, wrens, crows, ravens, robins, cardinals, deer, coyotes, foxes and hopefully that elusive tom who may venture within range. Though, truth be told, I have passed on the shot to witness their magnificent display in an attempt to attract the ladies. Hunts in New York end at noon.

Perhaps a nap, maybe fly fishing, for an evening meal or better yet take a couple youngsters fishing.

My end game is to pass my great respect and knowledge of conservation and environment on to the next generation and help unleash curious minds. I don’t want to require anything too demanding but just encourage simple excursions at first, always with a refreshing snack and drink on hand for them to enjoy.

The younger generation will become our future defenders of conservation efforts, to help maintain a healthy environment and healthy minds.

May Day, if only we could experience you all year long.

God bless you, patriotic readers, and your families.

Please enjoy a joyous and healthy remainder of your spring and summer.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam War veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.