herons

Mist hung low over the quiet pond as we drove past. The water was spotted with dead trees that added to the haunted look. I noticed huge nests settled in the highest crooks of several trees. The whole scene was eery and beautiful. Later, while visiting with a friend who lives near these strange trees, I mentioned my curiosity about the nests. She told me that there were dozens of Great Blue Herons who come in every year to nest there. Really? Despite having lived by the water most of my life, I have never seen a Heron nest and was fascinated. I mean this pond is no where near the sea. It's close to Walden actually and I had just never thought about Heron's around a pond. 

Last week Kelsey and I went to investigate and sure enough there were a dozen or so Great Blue Heron's sitting on or near their nest. There are signs on both sides of the road stating NO PARKING - but come on! - so we pulled over anyway. Grabbing the binoculars we scanned the nests and there they were - those big, beautiful and terradactyl-like Heron's. I couldn't believe it! The more I seek nature here in this urban/suburban environment the more I am surprised by it's abundance. Watching those heron's filled me with a familiarity and a connection to parts of me that hunger all the time. If I have felt deprived of the natural world I have myself to blame, for even in the city nature is there for the observant.