A Year on Clear Lake-May 25, 2013

He’s Back–May 25, 2013

Look who I found today on one of the piers by the new wetland area–the ibis.  We used to have one visit the watering hole often, but he has not been seen there for months. It was nice to reconnect with an old friend, or at least its kin.

Another five star day! Whether because I ventured out late in the day, or because the birds are becoming more active with summer’s near arrival (the temperature hit 91 degrees), I found birds everywhere. There were no less than six snowy egrets and a great egret by the marina, along with one each of the herons– little blue, yellow-crested and green. That’s the most traffic I’ve ever seen at that location.

The new site was just as exciting, too,  not only with the arrival of the ibis, but two juvenile yellow-crested herons were present as well. One shared the pier with an older heron, the other was busy foraging nearby. Even a great egret stopped by to check out the area. I had a hard time prying myself away.

On the way home, I spotted the black-crowned heron again on the power lines near the boat yard.

These are beautiful, strange, intriguing creatures that bring joy just watching. What a treasure they are, and hidden in plain sight. I feel fortunate to have had my eyes opened to them. In retrospect, the idea to begin this daily blog was not the result of some whimsical idea that just popped into my head–it was a message from the soul. I’m thankful I listened.

Green Thought: I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. ~George Washington Carver