Just Doing A Bit Of Running

  My hike this afternoon took me well back into the woods near the creek bed.  I had hopes of venturing across the creek to a spot where the spider lilies grow.  I figured that since most snakes would be sluggish, it would be a good time to dig up a few bulbs for the garden.  My plan did not include the copious amount of rain that was just dumped on the area.  There was no getting near the creek much less crossing it.  The low area was a sloppy mess!  So much for good intentions!  That said, I was diverted to (of all places) the pier.  Being as that is my peaceful spot, it only seemed natural to be there.

  While there, I noticed large birds swimming in the distance.  Three Double-crested Cormorants were busy diving beneath the water.  Just as I thought it was a good time to get photos, the birds opted to vacate the area!  I was left with very few photographs and no birds.

  Double-crested Cormorants are funny birds.  It seems that they spend more time under water than on the surface.  They can make long dives in search of food.  In fact, they would rather dive than fly to get away from a threat.  Watching the birds take flight from the water is sort of like watching a comedy show.  They literally "run" on the water's surface to take off in flight.  I happened to catch that "running" in one photograph before the birds went out of range.