It’s always fun to watch a great blue heron when its mind is singularly set on catching its lunch.
“… of all the liars among mankind, the fisherman is the most trustworthy. ~William Sherwood Fox
Looking for Lunch
great blue heron
An Afternoon Drive
An afternoon drive to Hop-In Refuge allowed us to view Sandhill Cranes which are wintering in West Tennessee.
Then, driving along the back roads in the area, we spotted a Northern Harrier flying low over a farm field in search of small prey …
… and a Great Blue Heron, which seemed out of place standing in a field of long white turnips or radishes.
We found more Sandhill Cranes out foraging in the vegetable fields …
… and blasting out their bugle calls from overhead.
Dried Queen Anne’s Lace heads decorated the roadside ditches, reminiscent of summer days gone by.
“I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow, and each road leads you where you want to go.” ~Rascal Flatts
A Serene Scene
A walk along the boardwalk at the Grassy Island portion of the Reelfoot Lake Wildlife Refuge revealed a serene scene as a great blue heron stood statuesque in the shallow water, awaiting his next meal.
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Great Blue Herons
We spotted these blue herons standing in the floodwaters of Reelfoot Lake. Due to excessive rain during the past two months, the lake, which is usually out beyond the tree line, has spilled over its shores.
“Don’t pray for the rain to stop; pray for good luck fishing when the river floods.” ~Wendell Berry
Predator or prey?
On one of our recent drives along the Mississippi levee, we came upon what appeared at first to be a tranquil scene. A colony of great egrets, intermixed with a few graceful geese and a great blue heron, was foraging in the shallow water of a flooded farm field. We sat and watched the peaceful scene for some time. Then we spotted it. Sitting on the far shore of the water was a bald eagle, obviously hoping to intimidate and pick off a weaker bird. After further observation, we spotted a younger eagle sitting high atop a nearby tree. It was intently keeping a watchful eye over the adult’s progress and encouraging it on. What had appeared to be a predator in search of small fish or frogs, also turned out to be the potential prey — a hopeful meal for some hungry eagles. Such is the drama of nature.
“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.” ~Douglas Horton
A drive along the levee
A leisurely drive along the Mississippi levee at this time of the year never disappoints. One of my favorite sightings this month was several Ruby-throated hummingbirds darting in and out among the red clover. We sat and watched their playful activity for some time. No photos, but clear, beautiful images in my mind.
“Memory … is the diary that we all carry around with us.” ~Oscar Wilde
Going fishin’
We spotted this Great Blue Heron along the Reelfoot Lake spillway. Its mind was singly focused on one thing — catching lunch — which it promptly did, and swallowed whole.
“Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.” ~LL Cool J
A chosen spot
When I first arrived at the boardwalk, I could see this heron at a distance out past the trees. I thought that my presence might spook him and cause him to fly away. Instead, to my amazement, I saw him take flight, settling in a spot closer to where I was standing. As I watched, he casually snatched a couple of tiny fish out of the water. Then he remained in his chosen spot, watching me as I walked up and down the board walk.
“Happiness is the settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.” ~Aristotle
Great blue heron in an inlet
As we drove past this inlet, we spotted a Great blue heron standing motionless in the shallow water. We backed up, stopped, and enjoyed the beautiful scene.
“Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.” ~Unknown
Overflow
Due to heavy rains, the Mississippi River recently overflowed its banks and went beyond the tree line. These photos were taken on the levee near Tiptonville, TN.
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Rain water also encroached on the land surrounding Reelfoot Lake. This brought some animals in closer than they might usually come.
“Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it …” ~Song of Solomon 8:7
walking on a country road 