Back Home -- Surprises at the Ditch

A gorgeous September day. Not too hot, not too cold. Goldilocks would love it. And, it was a perfect day to visit the ditch.

 

I didn't know what to expect but I was certainly surprised at seeing a pair of deer -- I think mother and young'un, in the distance. I never see deer during the day there, or very rarely. 

 

At first, I just saw the larger one. 

And then, as it moved a bit, the second emerged. 

They were so tranquil and certainly enjoying time in the water. What they were eating, I don't know. But they seemed very happy!

Venturing on the walk I encountered this robin.

And then, Harry. He was in a new spot, one he doesn't visit often. (I gave him regards from his cousin, Harry North, before moving on.)

Next up -- this bird. I think it is a cardinal . . .

. . . But it appears to have no feathers on its head. A disease?

Blogger David shared a photo of a jay with a similar condition. Any ideas, David (or others)?

I thought that was pretty good for a nature day, but as I came around again, I saw the elusive Ellie the Egret. 

She was having quite the time, an enjoyable day fishing. 

And then, she flew to a new spot. (Somewhere around this point, I put my camera on speed shoot and that really distorts the color. I could get flight photos but they are too washed out, despite my fiddling with them.)

She kept at it, quite satisfied, walking about to new spots. Eventually, she moved toward the weeds.

And quickly, she flew out. Seconds later, I could see why. She had apparently invaded Harry's territory. 

They had quite the stare down for a very long time!  

Eventually, he slowly began moving toward her (it reminds me of the old comedy bit, "Slowly he turned, step by step, bit by bit...).

And, wisely, I suspect, she was off!

And off he stalked, back into the weeds!

What a treat. I will celebrate seeing them all!

And now, as I often say . . . 

Gotta fly!