20 December 2009

Cold Heron

Yesterday we noticed a blue heron standing in a very cold nearby stream. This morning we saw it again, and this time got a hurried picture before it flew away (click to enlarge). Virtually every body of water for miles around is frozen many inches thick, except where spillways or other fast-water narrows create enough turbulence to resist the relentless cold and reveal a chance fish to a weary hunter. A cold north wind quickly penetrates our winter jackets and gloves, fostering irresistible urges for hot cocoa, tea, coffee, anything but icy cold water running over our feet. A close look at this poor heron reveals that it may be wishing for something similar, or wonder why, oh why, did it delay its southern escape?

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