Stay Warm

 Several weeks ago, I pondered the fact of how inclement weather causes problems for critters especially birds.  Small song birds can hunker down in protected places but it is often hard for huge, lanky herons to find shelter.  They have to deal with it the best they can.  With the wintry mix wafting in over the Bayou tonight and tomorrow, things can get messy for critters.  Most will seek shelter of some sort.  Against the advice of Son, I added a wee bit of Spanish moss to the hanging fern in hopes that it would insulate the sweet wren that spends the night in her old nest.  Perhaps all of her children will pay a visit back home and snuggle in with dear, old mom but just in case she is alone, I tried to help.  The covered arbor will at least keep her dry.

  Those herons and egrets will have to go it alone, however.  There is not much I can do to make their lives any easier.  Today was cold.  This morning, the wind was blustery, temperatures just above freezing and a slight mist was falling.  It was just after daybreak when firewood gathering began.  While I was hauling a load up the hillside, I noticed a lone Great Blue Heron standing belly-deep in the icy waters of the Bay.  The bird was hunched over as if it was really feeling this weather in a bad way.   It was trying to catch breakfast but obviously no fish were within range.  Poor fellow.  I felt as if I needed to help but there is not much I could do.  The pier was damaged yet again in the storm last week and, personally, I am in no shape to be throwing the net.  My heart ached for the heron...all the herons...all the birds...all the critters.  Stay warm, Critter Friends, stay warm.