We see all kinds of creatures on our walks, but today was especially fun. Right off the bat, Gretchen found a skink, but I was quick and it wasn’t harmed.
Little Blue Heron
Next up were the birds. We saw a pretty male cardinal and a blue jay, but the heron was the hit of the bird sightings for me. I really think it was a little blue heron, even though it would be far more likely to have been a great blue heron. It was distinctively, well… blue-grey all over. I’m so grateful that I looked up in time to get a good, long look and feel confident! Herons are quite special to me as my father’s middle name was Heron, and Daddy was especially fond of Civil War hero Col. John Mosby, aka: the Gray Ghost, so… very special.
Red-bellied Cooter
Gretchen and I have repeatedly heard a splash as we noisily round a bend on the river portion of our walk, and I’ve assured her it was okay every time, all the while wondering what on earth could make such a significant “splash” sound as it slips off of the bank. Well, Sissy INSISTED on looping back and doing the river path twice today, and from the opposite angle, I was able to see a family of turtles. I will have to have my phone/camera in hand next time we come from that direction, because I believe it was a Red-bellied Cooter, and none have been sighted in our county. There’s a chance it was a boring ol’ EasterRiver Cooter, but there were three of them sunning together on one large log, and I clearly saw much “orange”…
I also picked 3 ticks off the dogs (not attached), saw lots of bumble bees, and one Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.
What have you seen out and about?
Chan Knits 