Of Gators and Ospreys

  This morning, like every other morning, Mark and I headed to the pier at daybreak.  We were in hopes of catching a few fish for our lunch or, at least, find a few soft-shell crabs in the boxes.  We did neither.  The morning was not a bust, however, as a few old friends visited us while we were there.  

  First, just out from the pier, I noticed the alligator gliding across the smooth surface of the water.  The gator had obviously been out on a hunt all night and was heading to the back of the Bayou to get a little rest and relaxation.  She swam silently across in front of the pier.  Not once did she veer off course even though Mark was throwing the net for minnows and I was checking the crab pots.  This gator has been around here for years now.  She has not made any effort to harass or harm us in any way so we return the kindness.  We consider her just another of our critter friends and always hope her nest of eggs produces a few little ones.  That our Bayou is her safe-haven makes us happy.

  After watching the gator until she vanished behind the marsh, we were treated to another visit from a friend.  This time, it was a pair of friends.  The pair of ospreys flew overhead in a aerial dance.  The female landed in a nearby pine while her hubby went on a fish hunt.  He was trying to find breakfast for his ladylove.  The female set to calling to him as if she was hurrying him along.  It is always pleasant to see our resident ospreys.  This pair nests in the tall trees behind the house near the creek.  They, like the gator, seek the solitude that the Bayou offers.  Smart birds...I do the same.

  So, all in all, our fishing trip was a success even though nary a fish landed on our dinner table.  Perhaps tomorrow will find us hauling in the big ones!