It seems as if the Bayou is full of the most interesting things. At least, I find them interesting. Others probably do not but then, again, Son says I am easily amused...maybe? The most recent find is, not only interesting, but also weird! To be totally honest, I am not sure what it is! Yes, I realize it is a skeleton but...
While on the pier, I nearly stepped on what appeared at first glance to be some strange bug. I quickly picked up my foot to realize that this was not a living creature (was one but no longer). It was a skeleton of something rather "fishy". It made sense that this is a fish skeleton of some sort but what was it doing on the pier and what type fish had these bones? I have no clue to either question. Being only about three inches long, the thing greatly resembled a creepy bug! The (what I am assuming were) ribs splayed out in strange positions. Whether this was how the fish actually was formed or whether this was due to my almost squishing the skeleton remains unknown as well. Each rib was awfully pointy, however and the foremost two were brought forward to make them almost appear to be pincers. Now, no fish that I have ever seen around here has pincers so that is likely another misconception on my part or a bit of warped imagination coming in strong. Both are a high possibility!
The mystery skeleton was flipped back into the water whence it came. The earth-shaking questions of its original form sank to the muddy bottom to be hidden from sight forever! The Bayou sometimes does not tell its secrets!
High up in a pine tree in a tangle of smilax vines, there sits a tightly woven bird nest. The nest is one that has been used for the past several years. What started as a blue jay abode has now changed hands and has been reconstructed to suit the new residents. While I could tell that the nest was being redone and is now occupied, I had no idea what type bird claimed the living space. Then, for the past week, strange sounds have been emanating from said nest. When Son and I first heard the sound, he made the remark that it sounded a lot like a hoarse squirrel albeit an hoarse, angry squirrel. This made me giggle but I disagreed with him. Nope, it was definitely a bird. What kind of bird eluded me but, still, a bird...perhaps an angry, hoarse bird?
Every day as I worked the gardens, I heard the sounds. It frustrated me that the identity remained a secret but I was not about to climb a thirty foot tall pine tree just to lay claim to the fact that I knew what bird was nesting there. I did notice, however, that the sounds were part of a protective stance. Each time another bird flew over the nest or a squirrel scampered up the tree, the raspy sounds were loud!
Then today, I made quite the discovery and have about decided that the secret of the high nest has been solved...tentatively. As I was easing my way around the marsh line, a Green Heron flew to the remains of an old pier. This is nothing more than a couple of broken posts and a few boards but is a prime spot for the herons to hunt in peace. They can sit on this perch and not feel threatened by land mammals. This time, however, the Green Heron was more interested in my doings. The bird eyed me cautiously as I neared the pine tree with the mystery nest. It then let out a few strange squawks! The unusual noises from the nest immediately answered! Oh, my! Do I have a pair of Green Herons nesting in the front yard?
I did a bit of research and, sure enough, Green Herons will reuse other birds' nests and do, indeed, use a threatening series of "kuks" to frighten other critters from the area. I listened to recordings of the heron's calls and I do believe they are a match. Tomorrow, when I hear the sounds coming from the nest, a comparison shall be made. Hopefully, the secret of the high nest will be solved, once and for all! Green Herons! Imagine!
