On the Lookout



A great blue heron has made himself at home here in the creek where he hunts for fish and frogs and such. I spotted him there last week, in the area where I regularly cross. I saw him again the next day in the exact same location, and then again yesterday, 50 yards or so up stream.  Each time I have seen him, he is in flight, leaving the creek after having been startled by my arrival. He is spectacular in flight, with a wingspan of more than five feet. After taking flight, he comes to rest high up in a nearby tree where he watches me. And I watch him.

He is called "great" because of his size; he is the largest of all North American herons, measuring about four feet in height and possessing that grand wingspan that I already mentioned. His blue-gray color is apparent, especially on overcast days. For us nature lovers and birdwatchers, he is truly an exciting bird to see, especially in this setting. I have seen these birds often at Lullwater Park in Atlanta and at Jekyll Island, standing in shallow water where they hunt. But I was surprised to see one here in the creek bed of a densely wooded forest. I hope he stays. I hope he has a partner, and I hope they nest nearby. I’ll be on the lookout everyday. 

The variety of birds at my feeders continues to expand as word spreads that the lady in the cabin is putting out black oil sunflower seed daily. The collection now includes numerous cardinals. Last night I counted six male cardinals feeding in one location, and just as many females, but the males are so striking in brilliant red, especially in these bleak winter months. A northern flicker has joined the downy woodpecker at the suet feeder. A pair of mourning doves showed up earlier today to feed on seed that falls to the ground. The complete registry of birds at my feeders now includes the following: cardinal, chickadee, downy woodpecker, goldfinch, house finch, mourning dove, northern flicker, pine siskin, titmouse, and white breasted nuthatch. Other birds seen, but not at the feeders, include: blue jay, eastern bluebird, great blue heron, phoebe, pileated woodpecker, and robin. I hope to soon spot the owls I often hear at night. And to identify the hawk I saw down at the creek recently. 

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