The Mermaids of the Bayou????

  Granted there are things found in the Bayou that are rarely seen elsewhere.  Things that are unexplained rule the area.  Critters abound and after sundown (especially), the sights and sounds can easily convince a person that some otherworldly beings exist in the far depths of the Bayou.  Way down where the Bayou turns to a creek and finally to an overgrown mire filled with gnarled trees and twisted vines, screeches, howls and cackles can be heard on a nightly basis. You know that eyes are watching your every move and, at times, literally "feel" the warm breath of some unseen entity that hangs over you.  Chills can run up the spine of those visiting the area.  We have always had a saying that you should never venture into the Bayou as you "mayn't come out".  

  Now and again, I am lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time to capture a photograph of one of the mystical creatures that inhabit the Bayou.  Today was one of those days.  We were on the pier as the sun slowly slid down the western sky.  A golden glow began to spread across the water and create a magical look to the place. I readied the camera as this was exactly the type of evening that some fine creature would make an appearance.   I just had a hunch that this was to be "my" night to capture the perfect photo.  There would be no blurred or skewed photograph.  I wanted "proof" to share with the world!  Sure enough, long about 5:30 as the darkness was shrouding the whole marsh, I saw it.  At first, I was not sure what I had seen.  A large splash sent water droplets flying in every direction.  Yep, the mermaid was here!  In the golden glow, the silhouette of the mermaid's tail could be seen a good three feet above the water!  Excitedly, I snapped my photograph!  Got it!!!!  A clear photo of the silhouette!!

  Ok, so there are no mermaids in the Bayou.....at least I have not met any.  The photograph is of a pelican in the beginning stages of a takeoff flight.  It wings raised high above its head as it tried to lift its large body out of the water.  After a few seconds, the Brown Pelican was gliding effortlessly across the water's surface.  In the ambient light of the setting sun, however, one may be able to convince gullible folks that this "tail" was indeed that of either a huge fish or a mythical mermaid!
This photo will be added to my "convince the gullible person" file of weird and wonderful things from the Bayou!