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. 

Great Blue Herons are back

This is the rookery, a year ago

Yesterday was just as beautiful a day,

But I didn't realize the herons are back until we passed this morning.

And today is an exceedingly grey day!

The herons are huge birds, 

Three to four feet tall, with a six foot wingspan.

They look like grey monks, sitting drawn up by their nests,

But are magnificent when the stand and move.

I cannot select, here are all the pictures.

The sycamore that fell over the winter is not being used

But the park rangers say this rookery has become overcrowded as it is

And the herons are moving further downstream.

I waited for the train on the way home.

Twice.