Big Blue Heron Visits

We live near a watershed system consisting of various waterways and retention ponds. The systems foster healthy aquatic ecosystems, attracting fish, turtles, frogs and water fowl. One resident is a stately great blue heron who wades in the creeks and can be seen flying gracefully across the sky.

 

 
I was enjoying the perfect weather outside on Sunday afternoon when I saw the Blue heron flying barely above the roof lines of our house and alight atop my neighbor’s roof. Then he took to the sky again passing overhead. I felt lucky to have observed such a close encounter.

 

 
Imagine my surprise when, later that afternoon, my husband announced the blue heron had landed in our backyard. Our backyard fish pond certainly attracts birds and mallard ducks but never a great blue heron! He didn’t stay long, but that prompted me to stage my camera nearby “just in case”. Big Blue (named by my husband) did return to check out the fish pond and that visit allowed me to take these photos:

 

 

 
Such a magnificent creature! Now we can't help but spot him flying overhead. Maybe he will continue to visit. Note that our fish pond contains basic goldfish and we're not attached to them like we might be with koi. So if Big Blue wants a snack, he is welcome to one!

 

Lilac and Peony Season

I like all things lilacs - the color, the flowers, especially the heady fragrance. I did a quick search on the blog for the word “lilac” and it turns out I’ve churned out many images and words over the years with similar sentiment. I always find time to capture their spring blooms and this year is no different.

 

 
After an overnight frost warning, tiny dew drops formed on our lilac bush as the morning sun melted away the thin film of rime. The cold didn’t damage the flower buds, instead leaving glittering spectacle that caught my eye (while I was washing some dishes!).

 

 
Growing up, I associated the lilac with my birthday at the end of May, their blooms coinciding with each passing year. In Illinois, they bloom earlier so my birthday flower has been supplanted by the equally beautiful peony. The early varieties started blooming in the last week or so. Locally, Allerton Park showcases peonies in a massive garden so I headed there last weekend, hopeful to catch a beautiful sea of blooms.

 

 

 

 
The cooler weather slowed the emergence of blooms so the garden has not peaked yet. This merely means I will visit again in the coming weeks - I’ll probably visit at least two more times!