Ghostly Visions!

  Yep, it is getting on to that time!  Halloween is just around the corner and along with that comes the thoughts of eerie things.  To some folks, living on a bayou is eerie enough simply because of the local denizens that reside here.  Just the mere mention of gators or cottonmouth moccasins is enough to scare some people but, if you throw in a conversation about things screaming in the night or howling from the depths of bayou where it meets the creek, you can give many visitors a good case of the bejeebies.  (I guess I am showing my age here as "spell-check" is yelling "You cannot use that!  It is not a word!"  Umm...I am old.  I use old words.)  Anyway, the mention of anything supernatural brings out the idea that the place is haunted and...well...I am a good part of that. I am good with the analogy as it is all in fun and those who think otherwise need to lighten up a bit.

  The other morning, I peered out the screen door as Bat, the cat, wanted out.  Ahh, there was to be a lovely sunrise and I should traipse myself to the pier was all that could run through the brain...so I did.  The darkness settled around me as the sun had barely reddened the sky behind the pines on the other side of the Bayou.  Carefully choosing my way as to not step on one of those aforementioned snakes, Bat and I headed our separate ways.  He headed north while I headed south.  Soon, I was to the plank that spans the short gap to the pier planking.  This is there for high tide but makes a handy "bridge" over what could be a perfect spot for a cottonmouth to linger unseen.  Stepping lightly on the planking, I eased my way to the end of the pier.  A sole white shape could be partially seen through the darkness.  If I had been one of those scary type folks, this may have made me stop in my tracks.  (To be honest most of those folks would not have been traipsing out in the pitch black to start with but, hey!...this is me.)  The "pier ghost" stood dead still.  It did not make a move even though I edged closer.  "Well, now!  How are you my friend?" I murmured.  I received no answer.  I eased closer yet.  

  By the time I got to the end of the pier, the sky was a glorious array of reds and oranges.  My "ghost" had been starting to become drenched in the same colors but decided now was time to make its great escape.  Off to the back of the Bayou it flew on whispering wings but not without a double squawk!  Goodbye, Ghost!  

  To me, it is funny how the gorgeousness of an egret is offset by such an atrocious call.  The bird in itself is absolutely beautiful.  Its white plumes seem out of place amid the mud that is so commonplace around bayous, its graceful, elegant stance appears to be far too fragile to battle the life it lives here but it is that squawk that is most incongruous with the elegance that the bird portrays.  It just does not fit....in all fairness, though, it does fit quite well with a ghostly bayou critter!

The Race Is On!

   With winter comes the low, low tides.  Often the water is far out beyond the marsh and even the reach of the pier.  This lack of water exposes the soft mud that hides clams, crustaceans and minnows.  The predators that normally have to stalk their prey are now able to feast upon the stranded critters.  A great number of birds, otters, raccoons, fox are out during the low tide.  The mudflats are alive with those seeking breakfast.

   This morning, hooded mergansers, egrets and herons were all making good use of the mudflats.  The ducks were busying themselves in the shallows while most of the birds stayed in the ankle-deep water.  At one point, the rush to get breakfast had me in a fit of giggles.  A tri-colored heron and a great egret seemed to literally be in a race to see who could snatch the most minnows.  If one bird snatched a morsel, the other would dart to see if there was another.  This race continued for nigh on an hour until suddenly something startled the mergansers.  As they skittered across the water, both the egret and heron took flight.  Breakfast had ended.  

  With the warming of the weather, the water will deepen and the mergansers will migrate back northward thus leaving the herons and egrets to fend for themselves.  Then, the stalking returns as each will stealthily patrol the shallows in hopes of finding a meal.  The buffet on the mudflats will be closed for another season.  

Spending Time With The Egrets!

   As usual, I headed to the pier before dawn to get a "catch" of my sanity.  It seems that time spent there watching the sunrise can bring an inner peace that cannot be found elsewhere.  After that half-hour of time contemplating the day behind and the day to come, I am ready to move onward.  The tranquility sets the pace for the day.  

  While the sunrise was gorgeous, the later moments were even more exhilarating.   The sun was well above the horizon when I turned to head back up the pier to the Little Bayou House.   Just as I was reaching the "cut" (a small wallow in the marsh where we shelter the skiff during storms), several snowy egrets decided to come to breakfast.  Thousands of small bull minnows were trapped in the shallows so the birds would eat well.  My walk was instantly halted.  It was time to enjoy nature at its fullest!  Sitting down on the pier, my photo session with the birds started.  As time went by, more egrets joined our party until there were 15 snowies and 1 great egret in the group.  The birds paid no attention to me even though they fully aware of my presence.  They were simply engrossed in feasting on the minnows.  

  Needless to say, my time on the pier went well past the usual time limit and nigh on 50 photographs were taken of the lovely birds.  For the rest of the day, my thoughts were on the unlikely encounter and, even more, unlikely interaction.  It was time well-spent, as far as I am concerned.  

One Good Shot

   The camera is still on the blink and I am too old to learn new tricks like using the phone to take photographs.  A phone is a phone.  It is meant as a means to talk with people...not take photos...not play games...not send messages...not do anything other than talk with people.  The camera, on the other hand, is meant as a means to record pictures.  I am old-school, hardheaded and too old and tired to be anything else.  That said, my old trusty camera is as cantankerous as I am.  It usually only grants me one photograph per day before going into "hibernation" again.  It is a fickle thing.

  While on the pier, I noticed a lovely Great Egret perched atop a dead pine tree in my brother's yard.  The morning sun was at the right angle to make the bird gleam against the bright blue sky.  How much more photo perfect could it get?  The bird appeared to be posing for me.  Oh, camera, give me just one good photograph today!  Please!  So, I snapped a picture.  The camera worked!!!  Woo hoo!!! So, I tried again!  It worked!!! Wow!  Pressing my luck, I tried for a third!  Snap!  Yes!  I was elated.  Then the camera made that tired sound that it always makes before retiring for the day.  That was it.  Photo time was up.

  The bird continued to look gorgeous, the sunrise was pleasing and I had my pictures. It was going to be a grand day, I could tell.  I kept smiling as I walked up the hill to the Small Gardens.  It was time to dig the rows for my winter garden. Life is good.

Time to Fold!

   While I normally love winter and its attempt at being cold here, this year, I am feeling it.  I feel cold.  I am cold.  Since I am feeling it, I pondered if the critters are doing the same.  This afternoon, I watched as a Great Egret perched itself on one of the pier posts.  Today was warm but how does that long, lanky bird keep warm during the cold spells?  Short, stocky birds simply find a place out of the wind and fluff out their feathers.  They tuck their heads deep into the downy feathers and squat on their legs and feet.  The airspace between the feathers acts as insulation keeping them warm.  The egrets and herons do not have that much of a tucking ability. Think about those long legs and that thin neck.  Where would you tuck that many skinny body parts?

  Egrets do tuck their necks into a "S' fold and lay it flat on their chest.  The feathers fluff out to form a cushiony blanket.  The legs are often folded back and the bird can squat on them enough to provide some warmth when resting.  When hunting or stalking food, the bird stands knee deep in water and is motionless.  To remedy that, the birds have a special system of arteries and veins that literally work to warm each other.  The blood pumped through is enough to help the bird keep from freezing while it wades in the water.  All herons also have special feathers that keep growing.  The tips of these feathers break off to produce something called powder down or feather dust.  This dust helps to waterproof the feathers so the bird can stay dry.  Being dry goes a long way in helping with warmth.  Most egrets will also seek out a sheltered place to spend the night or during particularly rough weather.  

  Later this week, we are predicted to have almost tropical storm force winds, lots of rain and generally stormy weather that is supposed to end with a cold front sliding into the area.  My critter friends will be using all of their survival skills during this time.  While the herons and egrets will still have to hunt for their breakfast, a shot of birdseed will be put out to help the songbirds.  Folks, be kind to wild critters.  They do not have the cozy warm homes that we do.  Leaving a brush pile or thick hedge helps the birds stay warm.  Be kind!

Replacing Moe

     Last year, a Great Blue Heron came to the pier every time I was there.  The bird wanted handouts of fish so I obliged.  We watched as Moe grew from a juvenile into a gorgeous adult.  He and I became fast friends and he trusted me enough to gently take minnows from my hands.  He stayed for about a year before leaving for parts unknown.  I miss Moe.

  Now, a new bird has decided to come to the pier.  Lately, a Great Egret flies in to visit each time I am there.  I have not named this bird, yet, but I am quite sure if the visits continue a name shall be forthcoming.  The egret is still a bit skittish but is gradually making progress.  It knows that if I pick up the net, minnows shall be shared with it.  This morning, the bird insisted on staying even though Son was adding more nails to the pier planks in preparation for yet another storm.  You would think the banging would have frightened the bird but it seemed not to mind.  I find it a bit strange that the birds become so accustomed to us that they lose all fear.  I am sure they know that we mean them no harm but to literally become friends is remarkable.  

  While I would gladly welcome a visit from Moe, it only seems fitting that another bird has taken his place on the pier.  Every pier needs a resident bird!  Hopefully, this fine friend will weather the storm in good health and will continue to visit.  Life is good.

Dreams of Birds and Tranquility

  It is sort of ironic that a Great Egret was circling the pier early this afternoon.  The bird flew in three large circles around the entire Bayou (and pier) before coming to land in the midst of the marsh.  It is not uncommon to see the egrets but having one circle around me after having a dream about one last night was a bit...well...soul-stirring.  In my dream, a Great Egret flew in to greet me on the pier as they often do but this one came to my side and gently laid its head on my hand.  Its wings were wide-spread and its beautiful white feathers gleamed so brightly that I could hardly look at it.  Then, the bird flew straight up and out of sight.  When I awoke, my heart was racing and I felt as if something was on the verge of happening.  In view of my love for the critters of the Bayou, perhaps the dream of an egret befriending me was enough to move me but seeing the bird today has caused a good bit of pondering. Was there some deeper meaning to the dream?  Was the bird trying to tell me something?  If one is to go around looking for images and signs, they are sure to be there, yet, I was not looking.

  It has often been said that there are deep meanings to our dreams.  An appearance of a Great Egret has been associated with a new beginning.  That an preceding task set before you has been completed and that a new prosperous, peaceful life is ready to be attained.   In other words, it is time to stop living in the past and get on with the future.  The battle before has been won the hard way and now a life of peace is at the threshold.  While a lot of folks do not put much trust in dreams, one can only hope that something like this one holds true.

  Then, there was the actual bird flying in circles around me and my home.  The large, white egret flying around and around the Bayou with me as the centerpoint was purely fascinating.  I like to choose that the bird in the dream was foretelling of peace and prosperity and the bird doing the flying was letting me know that this tranquility was to be found where I live.  The Bayou has always been my little piece of paradise so this comes as no surprise. Then again, the bird may have been just trying to decide where would be the best place to catch supper.  Who knows?  It is something to ponder, however.

Strike A Pose!

  The wildlife around the Bayou is a constant source of amusement.  Let it be the baby fox that tumble around at the mouth of their den or the frogs that puff themselves up during courtship.  If you really take the time to watch the critters, you will come to realize that their show is far better than any on TV.  In fact, I have done away with our TV simply because I found nothing worth watching.  It was all pretty much brain rot and I sure do not need that!

  While on the pier, I noticed a lovely Great Egret sitting on the next pier over.  The bird had just flown to the top of a pier post and had started preening itself.  Well, I am never without the camera so the bird became the "subject of the day".  After about the third photo, it seemed as if the egret knew I was taking pictures and was determined that I get its best pose.  It kept preening its feathers but offered some beautiful wing shots! I am always impressed by the whiteness of the birds.  This one had just come from the marsh, yet was pristine!  Nary a dot of mud sullied its gleaming plumage!  Strike a pose, my fine feathered friend!  You have every right to strut your stuff!

Glad Help Was NOT Needed!

  It appears that I fret far too much over the well being of the critters of the Bayou.  Let one become ill or injured and I am in a tizzy.  That mothering instinct falls into play and if I can help in any way, I will.  The one-eyed screech owl was fed raw chicken.  The baby gray squirrels whose mother was killed by a hawk were bottle fed.  The great blue heron that had its foot torn off was given daily rations of mullet so he would not have to struggle to hunt.  In fact, I have fed more critters than I should have.  The help has ranged from those unborn by me rescuing skink eggs from hurricane flood waters (only to have them hatch in my hands) to comforting a dying baby squirrel that had been attacked by crows.  From the beginning to end...all critters need assistance now and again so I try to be that helping hand.

  This afternoon, I took a break from cutting firewood to admire the reflections on the Bay.  With overcast skies, there was just enough light to cast gorgeous reflections on the dead calm water.  While photographing the pines across the Bayou, a great egret caught my eye.  The bird was standing on the end of the pier and made no effort to move as I neared.  Oh, my!  The beautiful bird seemed to have only one leg!  That would never do!  I was just beginning to ponder if the alligator had gotten this bird like it had the heron.  Had the same ill fate befallen both birds?

  When I was a few feet from the bird, it lifted its wings and flew across the water.  Nope.  My fears were unfounded (thankfully!)  The bird had both legs but was only standing on one at the time.  The other leg was tucked up under its feathers.  This is supposedly done to conserve body heat so it makes sense.  As my friend flew westward, I whispered "thank you!"  I definitely did not need another critter to attend.

Beauty in the Mud

  I have often said that I take far too many photographs.  If this was a business, perhaps I could justify the numbers but it is more just a hobby than anything since nary a penny has been earned by my camera-clicking.  Still, I click away and hope somebody somewhere will find a bit of enjoyment in seeing the beauty of the Bayou.  As I see it, some day in the (hopefully far, far) future, those photographs may be all that is left of the place.  "Progress" is happening around here and it is not a pretty sight.  

  However!  A pretty sight could be found down on the mudflats and in the shallows this morning.  A lovely Great Egret was wading and feeding in the shallows.  The bird gave me the perfect opportunity to get a few photos as it seemingly posed for me. The egret was the perfect epitome of grace as it slowly (almost) waltzed its way along the shoreline.  Watching the egrets never bores me but instead, intrigues me.   It always amazes me how these birds can stay so gleaming white while sloshing around in the mud.  This morning, the bright sunbeams (after months of no-show) made the bird almost sparkle, the reflections were dancing on the water's ripples and the water was not its normal brown...it appeared blue for a change.  All of this simply because we had sunshine and blue skies for once.

  When viewing the photographs, I was struck by the beauty, not only of the bird, but also the place I call home.  The Bayou never fails and, hopefully, my photographs will some day be seen as a reminder of what we are so quickly losing and cause a bit of change....doubt it...but hopeful.

Periscoping Bird!

  Down on the east side of the hill. a path meanders next to the marsh edge.  This is where the old dog, Mr. PJ, and I hike every morning so he can take care of business and I can observe the shallows of the Bayou.  During the winter months, this part of the Bayou is mostly mudflats with just a small trickle of water  that teems with minnows and small mullet.  Periodically, the tide will come in enough for some larger fish to venture in to dine upon the smaller ones but, most of the time, the minnows only need to watch for attacks from above.

  This morning, I could hear an occasional soft splash as if something was hunting those minnows.  I pondered which of our shorebirds was getting breakfast.  As the old dog wandered close to the marsh, the bird was startled enough to stop hunting and peer over the marsh at the possible predator on shore.  A beautiful great egret kept a close watch on the old dog but Mr. PJ had no interest in the bird.

  It amused me to see the egret stretch high above the marsh tips to see who was trampling around on the path.  Its long neck gave it a clear view above the almost four foot tall grass,  I imagined that it was a lot like using a periscope!  The bird probably sensed that it had no worries because it soon went back to scooping up the minnows.  At the moment, a full belly was more important that dog watching.

Easy to see...

  Sometimes to those not familiar with bayou life, things can be a bit hazy as to why I love it here.  Trying to explain that I do not feel the need to have the cushy life of others is like talking to the side of a barn.  It is apparent that not many folks have the keen interest in the area that I do.  So be it.  As I have often said, I prefer the critter friends to human ones anyway.  They do not judge me for who I am.  

  Two of my critter friends came to see me early this morning.  It is getting to be a regular thing to throw the net merely to feed the birds.  This morning's breakfast of menhaden was served to two egrets...a Snowy Egret and a Great Egret.  Just as a note here, all egrets are herons but not all herons are egrets.  They just all live as one big, happy family of herons with different feathers.  The two egrets this morning were both white but were vastly different.  This difference is easy to see when you know what to look for in the description of the birds.  The Snowy is much smaller.  It has a black bill and bright yellow feet!  A Great Egret is nearly twice the size of the Snowy.  It has a bright yellow bill and black feet!  Their bills and feet are just the opposite colors! Easy-peasy way of identifying these two beautiful birds!

  It is things like this that make life here interesting.  I have the privilege of seeing these things first hand and on a daily basis.  I do not have to be content just being confined within  four walls.  THAT...is not what I call living.  Sorry, folks.  You can have all the money in the world and still not have a life.  Or...you can be content where you are and be at peace with the world.  I choose the latter.

Are We Forgetting??

  Two of my favorite shorebirds made a visit to the pier this morning.  Not that either of these are rare nor that their appearance is something special to other folks, it is just that I like them.  Both are members of the heron family. Both are egrets.  Both are white.  They are not the same type bird.  One is a Snowy Egret while the other is a Great Egret.  The one in the foreground of the photograph is the Snowy Egret.  It is smaller, has bright yellow feet and a black bill (with just a touch of yellow).  The one in the background is the Great Egret.  It has black legs, a bright yellow bill and is much larger.

  
  Both birds, however, have something else in common other than being egrets.  Back during the nineteenth century, egrets were nearly annihilated.  To adorn ladies' hats, the birds were hunted nearly to extinction.  The large, white plumes brought such an exorbitant price that the birds were killed in great masses.  This brought about the demand that laws be passed to protect birds and the National Audubon Society worked tirelessly to help the all birds.  They chose the egret as their symbol. In the twentieth century while being protected, the bird recovered rapidly.  The Migratory bird Protection Treaty gave the birds a chance.  Now, however, that protection has changed.  "Accidental" or "Incidental" deaths will be swept through a loophole and not be punishable.  This is saddening.  While this may not seem like a great deal, knowing how things get pushed and shoved around to benefit big business, the birds are the ones that will suffer and that, in itself, will hurt us all.

   As I sat watching the egrets on the pier, I thought of how it would break my heart if my grandlittles were deprived of the chance to view these beautiful birds and any others.  Yep, regulations are there for a reason.......too bad they can be bent, twisted and otherwise distorted to benefit big business.  Things happen when folks turn a blind eye toward those in power.

The Congregation is Growing!

  Yesterday, two cattle egrets and one great egret sat on the pier in the warm sunshine.  They did the all too familiar "one-legged" stance and made quite the impressive sight.  I was happy to see them there even though they do..umm..mess up the place somewhat.  That does not bother me as a good rainstorm cleans the old pier boards rather well.  

  Today, the egrets returned but a few new members had joined the congregation!  (For those curious, yes, a group of egrets is often referred to as a "congregation".)  This time, the original trio were there but three snowy egrets had come to share the space.  While my brother's pier has been the common roost for pelicans, it seems that ours is the choice of egrets.  Nice!

  It is not uncommon for a variety of herons and egrets to share a common resting spot but they are not gathering for any particular reason.  The convenience of the place in accordance to a food supply is more likely the reason for this congregating.  The birds will share a nesting ground simply due to the fact that there is safety in numbers.  Egrets are vulnerable to disruptions by humans during their breeding/nesting period, however.  The birds have been known to abandon nests purely due to human presence under their nest sites.  The back of the Bayou used to be home to a heronry of quite some size but the building of new homes on the opposite shore disrupted the birds.  Most left the area.  A few have moved to a more secluded area near where the creek feeds into the Bayou far behind the Little Bayou House.  This area is completely shut off from "progress" as it is surrounded by the woods of our property.  It is my hope that the birds will feel safe enough there to continue their nesting.  Perhaps my congregation can return to its full glory of several hundred of these elegant birds!

Look at me! I am a FLAMINGO!

  While the weather here would be deemed nigh on perfect for many (me, included), we are experiencing our first real "cool spell" of the season.  The temperatures are to dip down as low as 42 this week!  This makes me happy and also gives me hope that we will actually have a winter this year.   We need one.  The persimmon seeds have predicted one.  I am anxiously awaiting one.   The critters on the other hand, may not be on pin and needles with excitement of such weather.  While most do have fur or feathers, that cold air can make life a bit miserable for the critters of the Bayou.  It is a tad hard to get warm when you live in the marsh.  

  This afternoon while out taking the dog for a hike, three birds rested on the pier.  One was a Great Egret while the other two appeared to be Cattle Egrets.  It was hard to tell at the distance from where I stood.  I eased nearer trying to get a positive identification but with the first step on the pier, Mr. PJ, the dog, got excited.  He trotted down the pier as per our usual custom.  The first thought was to call him back but, hey, they were only birds and he was fully enjoying himself.  

  What I did notice about the birds was that they were all doing the one legged stance.  Most large wading birds like the herons and egrets do this while resting.  No, contrary to what Darling Daughter told me one time....the birds are not pretending to be flamingos!  The idea behind it is that the birds are conserving body heat.  With their long, thin legs, a lot of body warmth will be lost if both legs are exposed.  If one is kept tucked up in the feathers, the bird stays warmer.  Periodically, the bird will switch legs.  

  The north wind today was already chilly enough to cause the birds a bit of discomfort.  Their uni-pedal stance was serving them well but, if Old Man Winter does throw us a nice bit of frigid weather this year, the birds better think of finding a place with a bit more shelter than what the pier offers!  That north wind barrels down the pier something fierce!

Treading on Dangerous Mud!

  With the lack of a winter and the sudden onset of springlike weather, the critters of the Bayou stand in a state of confusion.  Birds are nesting, frogs and toads are beginning their nightly serenading and those snapping turtles are creepy-crawling about the mudflats.  It is those snapping turtles that gave me a cause to ponder this morning.  Knowing that the turtles can flat out disappear under the soft mud whenever they choose, it is a wonder that more of the docile critters are not injured.  

  Today, a lone Great Egret fished along the marsh edge.  It was wading in just a few inches of water and would occasionally step up onto the mudflats.  In the water, it would shuffle its feet hoping to stir up some tiny minnow or crab.  Then the bird would make a quick snatch and have a bit of breakfast.  Those long spindly legs gave me worry, though.  As the egret made its way up on the mudflat where one particularly large snapping turtle had been seen earlier, I fretted over those legs.  Let one misstep occur and that turtle might have broken a leg in two pieces. Thankfully, that did not happen...at least while I was watching.

  Pondering further, I had the realization that a tradedy of this sort may have been what befell our dear, old friend, Skipper Hopper.  Two years ago, we befriended and helped a Great Blue Heron that was severely injured. Its ankle had been broken and, now, I am about certain that a snapping turtle might have been the culprit that did the foul deed.  In all likelyhood, the bird probably tread a bit too close to a submerged snapping turtle and the turtle did not take too kindly to the intrusion. One quick clamp of those powerful jaws could surely have inflicted the injury that the poor bird suffered.  

  As I sat watching the egret, my mind wandered back to Skipper Hopper. The egret was so engrossed in its feeding that I am positive that it was not thinking about the dangers that could lurk beneath the very mud where it was walking.  Life is not easy for the critters of the Bayou.  

Dressed to Kill

  The idiom "dressed to kill" refers to someone who is dressed very stylishly or glamorously.  No expense has been spared in their choice of clothing.  At one time, critters that were "dressed to kill" were often killed because of their raiment.  Furs, bones and feathers were all the rage until someone came up with the idea that "Hey!  You know, that might not be too fun for the animal/bird!"  This thought saved the lives of countless critters that might have actually been hunted to extinction although it was too late for some.  Many critters were mass slaughtered because they were too pretty.


  The Great Egret is a perfect example of how near a critter can come to being killed completely from the face of the earth merely because of its beauty.  In the late nineteenth century, plumes were highly sought and since the Great Egret had remarkably showy plumes, they were targeted. The birds were killed by the millions.  Ladies with "style" wore their plumes proudly.  They strutted about wearing dead bird parts on their hats and dresses. Plumes adorned sitting rooms and fans.  All this while the bird population was becoming fewer and fewer.  The birds became nigh on extinct. Then that bright person mentioned above had that light bulb moment and things slowly changed.  Two fine ladies started the Audubon Society and urged Congress to pass laws protecting birds from this mass slaughter.  Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall started the ball rolling and things sort of spiraled upward from there. The egrets were protected by law but had a hard road ahead of them to replenish their population.  Entire rookeries had been decimated.

  I watched a Great Egret today as it waded in the Bayou.  I could not get out to photograph it as we are in the midst of some weird storm that is supposed to dilly-dally around here for the next week.  I did recall a photograph from months back that showed the bird in its full glory.  I was witness to hundreds of Great Egrets that had gathered in the back of the Bayou during breeding season.  Each bird wore its finest plumes and roosted in the treetops to preen.  Occasionally, a large plume would float to the ground.  I remember thinking how much nicer it would have been to collect those plumes as the birds molted and not kill such a majestic creature.  I am sure glad that Ms. Harriet and Ms. Minna made the effort to have laws passed to protect critters.  Had they not, chances are that I would not have had the opportunity to ever witness the beauty of these birds.  

On A Scale of One to Ten....

  Camouflage in nature can mean the difference between life and death.  It also can mean the difference between starvation and being well nourished.  It is camouflage that keeps predators well hidden while they await their prey.  I come across all sorts of critters that meet the standards of camouflage.  There are those who are so well hidden that it is highly difficult to see them unless there is a slight movement.  These have mastered the hide and seek game.  Their coloration blends so well with their surroundings that there is no need for any other cover.  Mark and I came across a lovely snake today and it was plumb hard to see.  Had I not specifically been searching for a snake, I would have most likely walked right past the critter even though my footfall was only a few feet from the serpent.  The extremely high tide combined with heavy winds had driven the snake out of its usual habitat. Since the marshes are flooded, the poor snake was seeking a bit of drier ground.  I am sure that others were doing the same and I probably did walk past several before I found this one.  On a scale of one to ten, I give this snake a "ten".  It blends well with the mud, marsh and typical bayou mishmash of branches.  

  Our camouflage search led to another critter found in abundance here on the Bayou.  The American Green Tree Frog usually is well hidden among the green leaves of any tree or plant.  During the daytime, the frog sits quite still among the leaves and is so hard to see that many folks do not realize that they are just inches from one.  Most of the time...the frog is well hidden. Today's froggy must have failed during "Camouflage Class".  He obviously did not study well or this frog is completely colorblind!   The bright green coloring that usually helps the frog blend with green leaves did not help our friend today.  The frog chose to spend the day on my Camphor Tree sapling that is in a pot near the front door. It is an ideal place for a frog but his choice of leaves did not suit him well.  The bright green frog was perched upon an equally bright...but RED...leaf!  That poor frog stuck out like a sore thumb!  Froggy....I am sorry but on that same scale of one to ten....you only get a one!  

  Speaking of camouflage that helps critters so well, some just do not get it at all.  There are those critters that, for one reason or another, do not give a flip about hiding.  The gorgeous Great Egret had no qualms about sitting on the tiptop branches of a tree.  The bird did not try to blend with the surroundings nor did it attempt to seek any coverage.  It just perched itself high above the Bayou and sat there proudly preening itself.  The egret had no worries.  It did not flinch when a large hawk flew over nor did it seem to care that Mark and I were watching it.  No camouflage here so rating this one would be impossible!

  Natural camouflage is a fantastic thing.  I often wonder just how many unseen critters are within an arm's reach during my hikes.  

Well! That is LOUD!

  As I am sitting here listening to all the booming and banging of fireworks, a thought keeps running through my mind.  While a lot of folks think the shooting of fireworks are all fun and games, I fully disagree.  Yes...they do help celebrate the holidays.  Yes, there is a long tradition of doing such.  Yes, they are LOUD and some....SOME are pretty.  But there should be a place for these things, a time limit and there should be an ordinance about cleaning up the mess afterwards. There are laws...sort of laws...they are just not enforced (which is "sort of" understandable.)  


  My complaints are not at all about the fun folks are having.  That is great.  My issue is about the "where" mainly.  At the moment, fireworks are being shot across the Bayou which is not a bad spot unless you happen to live there.  I do...along with thousands of critters that are most likely scared out of their wits about now.  Earlier today, I was out watering the plants in the greenhouse when I noticed a beautiful Great Egret striding about the Bayou.  The north wind had pushed most of the water out into the Bay leaving just a small rivulet.  The bird was scooping up trapped fish.  It was a most beautiful and serene scene....until....

  Boom....boom....rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat...boom.  It was midday and already someone was shooting fireworks.  The egret was startled and took flight letting out a series of frightened squawks.  Awww, poor bird probably thought someone was shooting at it...and in a sense they were.  The fireworks shot over the Bayou and landed not far from where the bird was fishing.  

  Now, tonight, the fireworks are continuous.  Thousands and thousands of thunderous rounds are being fired across the marsh.  My poor critters are probably all in hiding.  There will be no feeding tonight for the many nocturnal critters (and no sleep for me).  I just wonder if these same folks would like it if I decided to start shooting fireworks in the opposite direction....say...at sunrise?  And kept it up throughout the day while they were trying to recuperate after a night of partying.  Nah...I could not do that to my poor Bayou friends of the critter sort.  They are going to need rest after this long sleepless night.

  Still, this does not make me feel disdain towards those celebrating.  The New Year should be brought in with a shout of glory!  That said, I wish all of you a most profitable and healthy new year and may each of us show compassion to all....even the critters of the world!  Happy New Year, Folks!  Happy New Year!

White!

  Usually in wintertime when one mentions white, the thoughts turn to snow.  That does not happen so often this far south.  White can mean a totally different thing on the Bayou.  Instantaneously, my thoughts turn to pelicans!  During the colder months, we are visited quite frequently by the beautiful White Pelicans.  Their snowy feathers seem to shine most brilliantly during the sunny days but even during the cold, gray days of winter, the white sparkles against the dark waters. Those, the Great Egrets and the Little Snowy Egrets all intrigue me.  It never ceases to amaze me how these birds stay so clean while out and about the Bayou.  They traipse about the mudflats, stand tall in the marsh or swim in the muddy waters yet their plumage is always dazzling white. How?  How can they do this while I become quite muddy just thinking about that mire!  

  I do a lot of critter watching and have noticed that these are not the only visitors to the Bayou that manage to stay clean even during the muddiest seasons.  I watched as a red fox trotted along the marsh edge.  The tip of his fluffy tail stood out like a white flag but never muddied.  The ospreys, ducks, grebes stay clean.  The rabbits', nutrias' and otters' fur never mats.  As matter of fact, the only two critters that I have ever seen grimy with mud are Ms. Ez when she fell off the pier and any raccoon that digs for clams.

  There has to be some secret of fur/feather cleaning of which I am not aware.  I sure wish I did know!  This secret would make laundry day a breeze!  Imagine!  Just imagine!