A Year on Clear Lake-Jun 2, 2013

On the Red Carpet–June 2, 2013

This park fence is getting to be the equivalent of the birds’ red carpet. Yesterday it was the egret, today the black-crowned night heron. This is an interesting bird. Unlike some of the other herons, this one doesn’t seem to have any concern about people. Shortly after I snapped the photo on the fence, he flew to the pier, and took up a post there in the middle of today’s busy human activities. But then, judging from the reaction of the people on the pier, it really had nothing to be worried about. No one seemed to notice–except that crazy lady with the camera who kept following it around.

The thought occurred to me: just as the birds–the egrets, and the herons–work their way up and down the bulkhead pursuing prey, I work my way up and down the shore opposite, pursing my prey with camera, instead of a bill. We’re not so different, after all.

Two of my favorite shots today–the great egret, long legs and long neck serve it well; and the yellow-crowned night heron with its mirrored image.

All in all, a good day in the neighborhood.

Green Thought: I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau