Rescue attempts

  Usually I find being on the pier most relaxing.  There is a peace that comes with the gentle waves, sunrises or sunsets.  I find time to meditate or just ponder the wonders of nature.  Tonight, however, was just the opposite.  In fact, it was quite disturbing. 

  After toting my bucket, net and camera down the pier, Ms. Ez, the Bayou Dog, and I were set to do a bit of fishing.  Mullet and shrimp are in the Bay and make for tasty meals.  Before I could even toss the net one time, I noticed a critter in need.  It was a dire situation.  It is time for the dragonfly migration and one had been somehow knocked into the water.  Its wings were wet making it impossible for the critter to fly. With the cool weather we have been enjoying lately, I knew the insect was probably not going to last long.  The boat hook came in mighty handy in fishing the critter from the water.  Once I had the dragonfly up, I gingerly lifted it off the pole.  The poor thing was just about finished. Obviously, it loved the warmth of my hand because it refused to leave. I held the critter for nigh on twenty minutes but then had to set it on my camera case.  A new calamity just flew in and landed on the pier. 

  I heard the fluttering of wings and turned to find myself almost face to face with a heron.  "Hi there, Bird!", I said.  Ms. Ez cocked her head and looked at me then whined.  She eased her way nearer the bird and laid down on the pier.  She whined again. Then she moved closer yet and laid down.  I pondered at what the crazy dog was doing.  Ms. Ez kept up this whine and crawl until she was about ten feet from the bird.  She would look at me and whine..crawl, look at me and whine.  Then I noticed that the poor bird had a broken ankle and looked awfully thin. Several injuries could be seen on its body as well.  Oh, my! This would never do!  First things first.  I had to get that bird something to eat. I threw the net and caught three fine little mullet.  No sooner had I tossed them on the pier, than the bird flew to them and gulped them down.  "You are hungry, aren't you?"  I threw the net again and caught two minnows and three small croakers. Those, too, slipped down the bird's throat.  Six or eight more fish were tossed to the bird before he slowed down.  At least, the bird had supper.  It was still badly hurt and needed help, though.

  As for the dragonfly, he came home with me and is warming in the greenhouse.  Tomorrow, if all went well through the night, he will be released to continue his journey.  As for the heron, I sent a message to the wildlife rescue organization.  If he is still around in the morning, I am sure they will be able to capture and heal the bird.  I do so hate when any critter is hurt.  This was a very trying evening on the pier.