Sunday in the Park with Harry

Harry the Heron has returned to his "summer home" just down the street from me. These photos are from two visits, about a week apart.

There really are only so many "interesting" shots you can get of my Big Bird. When one watches him often, he doesn't move much and when he does he is very fast indeed.

But I am always fascinated with how he primps and tidies himself up. I suspect there are more than a few bugs in those feathers!

I love it when he flies -- which isn't often. Now and then he'll skip a few yards to a new spot and when he does, I often miss the flight, but I love the fluffy feathers of the landing!

Our ponds are looking lovely these days. That wonderful spring green of the willow tree is one of my favorite colors. Eventually the leaves will darken and they'll be pretty too -- but nothing beats this.

I'm trying to adjust my walking times so that there are fewer people there at the same time. On a particularly lovely morning I decided to hit it around eight to not only catch the morning light but perhaps avoid the later walkers. I wasn't disappointed when I laid eyes on this!

So, Harry has a friend! Is it Harriet? Henrietta? Or cousin Henry? I'm sure I can't tell the difference between male and female but it was lovely to see them together.

It was a good day for the light!

One must be patient when watching these magnificent birds fish. They stalk...

...the hunker down...

...and if I'm very lucky, I'll have my finger on the button when they dive down.

And if they are lucky, they'll come up with a tasty morsel. This time? No such luck. And so it begins again.

With or without a fishing buddy.

I think I'm liking the 8 a.m. walking time!