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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Forlorn heron

I took an hour before the PT class this afternoon
to find a new header picture.


Leaves are beginning to turn color, 
early,


But are disappointing to date.
Too much green.


See?


Although the sky is a great blue.


I thought this shot of gold leaves in the sun
might look good in a header.


 I passed the willow at the end of the pond on my way to class,
and thought it might work,
although it's fallen from my favor due to its untidy appearance.



On the way home, bonanza!
This heron (I assume I am seeing the same bird, over and over),
stood his ground and watched me warily for at least two minutes
before he showed me his back and strolled around the end of the pond.

I've seen one heron at this pond over and over this summer.
Just guessing, but I think it's a youngster.
The two big rookeries are within five miles of here.

There are several sycamores at the other end of the pond,
which seems to be the nesting tree of preference in the valley.

I'll try to keep track of it.
It's a great blue heron, and they do not migrate,
although I have no idea what they do with themselves all winter.
Perhaps we'll see. 

30 comments:

  1. I love the new picture! They must be hearty birds if they don't migrate!

    betty

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  2. I guess even Herons have their loners.

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  3. I wish I had a great blue heron to watch. I took a similar picture many many years ago of the gold leaves and blue sky and then did a painting of it, one of the very few I ever did, and I still have it.

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  4. Ooooh. Bonanza indeed. I love it. And will happily see more of this charmer. Thank you.

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  5. The GBH is one of my favorite birds... I didn't know they don't migrate. We didn't see them in Maine until we were about to leave... then saw a family of 5 every day. When we volunteered at the Bosque del Apache NWR in NM, we used to have a "jointed" cardboard bird that we could show the difference between a GBH and a Sandhill Crane as folks had trouble telling them apart. Guess Buckeyes wouldn't have this problem. Which reminds me of the Mothman... down at the Ohio River/Point Pleasant area in the 1960's.... do you remember that? Sort of culminated with the Silver Bridge collapsing.... Oh what memories!

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  6. The heron is a remarkable bird, I've seen them nearly 4' tall. A better catcher of fish is not to be found.

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    1. In the spring we see parents flying relays back to the nest, with fish from the river. One or the other parent is always on the eggs, then all the big mouth feeding begins. Watching the big birds fold themselves into the sycamores is a marvel.

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  7. They don't migrate? Really?

    I wouldn't have guessed that!

    Leaves are starting to turn here in Minneapolis...

    Pearl

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, they do. Like cranes, other's of their species, they migrate from colder climes. Places like the NW, where it doesn't freeze over, they won't. Depends on where they raise their young.

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  8. All pics are lovely but the one with blue heron is amazing. For sure it's my favorite! Once upon a time I was able to capture my blue heron on the beach. Maybe one of those days I will post that picture on my blog.

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  9. Did not know about the BH not migrating. yes, I wonder where they winter. you're pictures will tell. my planting of your father's bulbs are beautiful. I forget to take pictures but they are multiplying in amazing #'s. Did see others on my street and so happy to see something that blooms this time of year. Thank you.

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  10. Hari OM
    ..eerr..actually they are called partial migrators... they will fly south for winter, but not out of the Americas (like other birds who may traverse continents and hemispheres). They are also territorial so that is for sure to be the same bird you see in same spot. Our herons here have already moved South, haven't seen the one on the shore in nearly a month. Oh here we are, a a nice link to check out. (Forgive the twitcher/orno/birder in me!) YAM xx

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  11. Your colours seem more advanced than ours.

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  12. I love their stillness,patience and grace....qualities that passed me by.
    Jane x

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  13. Dear Joanne,
    when I opened your blog I thought: 'Ah, a new header. Lovely!' The heron I saw on the second glance. Great photo!

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  14. The gold leaves would have been a good choice too.

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  15. Our leaves are not turning yet. But I have a sweater on today. It keeps raining. I have always enjoyed herons. We spot them here occasionally. I have not made a header in ages-well done.

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  16. Gorgeous header photo!
    Yes, let's keep track of that heron.

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  17. Like you new header. Like you I'm still seeing too much green, a bit more orange, gold and brown would be nice.

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  18. Nice header with the blue heron. I am fascinated by their rookery size. -- barbara

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  19. oh that guy is probably hungry, at my house in california they ate gophers in winter

    http://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2008/12/great-blue-heron-gopher-getter.html

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  20. The changing leaves are wonderful, but you're right about there being too much green still. A panorama of reds golds and oranges is spectacular and worth waiting for.
    I hope the heron is okay for the winter.

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  21. Everyone keeps telling me that here on the prairie, we are supposed to have the worst Winter in 50 years. Um...well, that sucks?

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  22. Your leaves are turning at just about the same rate as ours. But we are getting into nippy nights now, so they should turn more quickly. I just hope we don't have an early fall hurricane that strips them off at the height of their beauty.

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  23. Love the new header. A big stamp of approval!

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  24. Our leaves are turning brown for lack of water.

    Your new header is wonderful. Someday I would like to see your stomping grounds.

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  25. Joanne -- received your G+ conversation notice. As of yet I have not learned that tech part of G+. If you ever want to reach me -- here is my email. folkwaysnotebook@gmail.com -- have a good day -- barbara

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  26. Dear Joanne, I like the header you've chosen with the willow tree and the blue heron . . . and the pond. Water and trees always speak to me. One of rebirth and one of growth. Peace.

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