I'm Flying!

   I have a tendency to name a lot of the critters on the Bayou.  When you spend as much time with them as I do, you begin to see that critters, like people, have personalities.  They are unique.  Some are cranky and wish to be left alone.  Some are daring as they face danger with flair.  Some are comedians who wish only to garner attention.  It only seems natural that they have given names.  I usually watch a critter for a few weeks before the perfect name becomes apparent.

  Meet Rose!  This cormorant has been hanging around the pier for the past few weeks.  Others have come and gone on their merry way but Rose lingers.  That is all good.  Rose was, at first, timid and would make a hasty getaway when I ventured too close.  Now, she has broken free of her fears and is quite the happy thing.  Watching her brings smiles knowing that she is learning to trust me.

  Now why Rose?  Why did I choose this lovely name for my new friend.  Well, one morning as I was nearing the end of the pier, the cormorant was on my brother's pier across the way.  She had obviously been busy catching breakfast by diving deep under the water and needed to dry her feathers.  She stood facing the sun with her wings spread open.  The first thought that entered my head was how great the resemblance was to Rose on the movie "Titanic".  From her new found freedom to the open-winged stance, the cormorant demanded the "Rose" moniker.  From this point onward, our lovely cormorant shall be called "Rose" and will be welcomed as a friend.