We woke to an icy morning and school is closed but the temperatures are finally above ten degrees so we are out walking. My four legged furry friend and I are enjoying the white dusting of snow. We are careful stepping on the icy layer underneath. He stops along the way to smell things around him. It feels great to be on our usual path, a mile loop in the neighborhood. As we approach the pond, all is quiet. The kids playing hockey yesterday must have realized the ice had started to melt and wouldn't be safe. I see something out of the corner of my eye. A creature with tall skinny legs, an oval body, circle head, and a pointy beak. It's standing on the ice. At first this image seemed normal but then I remember it's completely the wrong season for what I think is a heron to be standing on the pond. I can't figure out why he would be there. Poor thing was all scrunched up. His habitat was frozen. He couldn't land smoothly and swim around. By the time I circled back he was gone from the pond. Now I wonder why he was there? Is he injured? Is he a she? Can he survive the winter months here? What I do know is I will be on the look out for this what I think is a heron on future walks this winter.
How exciting. I hope the bird is a Herron and does return. Your post makes me want to walk the dogs in the snow and read poetry.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is crazy for a heron to be out on the icy pond at this time of year. Maybe he too was confused by our strange weather patterns. I hope you keep us in the loop!
ReplyDeletePoor bird! Great noticing! I hope things warm up for you and the bird.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I love herons, but confess I've never thought about where they go this time of year. Hope he makes it!
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of herons near me and I have never seen one in the winter. You might need to do some research! I loved the picture - it drew me in and made me want to read about it. Hope all is well -- Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteClare