Frank Gallo’s column, “Ed’s Count,” calls us back to a central truth: the virtues of diligence, humility, and stewardship are timeless. It is a story not only of one man’s dedication but of the enduring values that make communities thrive. In recounting the quiet work of Ed Shove, Gallo reminds us of the importance of seeing the world as a gift to be cherished, nurtured, and preserved. In his own words, Ed “saw more than most,” a tribute to the depth of his observation and his ability to notice what others might overlook.
Ed Shove’s commitment to the annual Christmas Bird Count stands as an exemplar of responsibility and perseverance. Rising before dawn to tread the cold marshes of New Haven’s Quinnipiac Marsh, he carried with him the tools of his trade: binoculars, a notebook, and a deep sense of duty. His work was not glamorous. It was hard, often thankless, but profoundly meaningful. Ed’s unwavering resolve to document each bird, to observe and record the delicate interplay of nature, was his way of serving a higher purpose.
In “Ed’s Count,” we see the value of steadfastness in the face of change. Gallo describes how Ed’s once-beloved owling grounds were replaced by a movie theater—a stark reminder of how “progress” can encroach upon the natural world. Yet Ed persisted. He adapted, not with bitterness but with a sense of duty, continuing to serve the larger cause of conservation. His work reminds us that progress must be tempered with prudence, that development can coexist with preservation.
Gallo’s vivid imagery invites us into Ed’s world, where the biting wind of a December morning cannot dampen his resolve. The startled flight of herons, the “Po-ta-to-chip” call of goldfinches, and the fleeting glimpse of a green-winged teal—each moment captured in Ed’s notebook speaks to a discipline of attention and care. These details are not mere observations; they are acts of reverence for creation, a reminder that beauty is often found in the smallest and quietest corners of life.
What “Ed’s Count” offers us is a lesson in character. Ed’s journey through the marsh, enduring frost and wind, is a portrait of quiet faith. He did not count birds for recognition or reward but out of love for the natural world and a sense of obligation to future generations. His work is a testament to the power of ordinary virtues to create extraordinary legacies.
To bear witness to the world as Ed did is an act of faith. Gallo’s reflection on Ed’s ability to see more than most underscores this truth—bearing witness is not just about recording facts but about recognizing their deeper meaning and value. It is a declaration that what we observe matters, that the details of life—however small or fleeting—are worth preserving. This is the work of newspapers as well: to record, to document, to bear witness to the world so that others may see and reflect. Ed Shove’s meticulous notes and enduring dedication remind us that bearing witness is not passive; it is an active, purposeful endeavor that honors the beauty and fragility of life.
Ed’s meticulous records and his enduring dedication demonstrate that even the smallest acts, done consistently and with purpose, can make a lasting impact.
The New Canaan Sentinel is grateful to Frank Gallo for sharing this inspiring story. It was one of the most beautiful columns we have received. Although the 2024 Christmas Bird Count has concluded, the lessons of “Ed’s Count” endure. Readers can find Gallo’s full column at (https://www.newcanaansentinel.com/2024/12/05/eds-count/).
