Thank you, Manuela. Any thoughts on how the birds were impacted is speculation, but my reading indicates it takes several days to several weeks to build a sturdy nest and that we are well into the season for laying eggs. The implications of that make me sad, and yet, the birds were so active and struck me as resilient—determined to stay where they were and carry on. I am now curious to follow their activity.
I just finished reading "Forest Walking" by Jane Billinghurst and Peter Wohlleben. The book talked about what you can expect to see in a forest if you take the time to experience it with all you senses. It pointed out that when a tree falls or is damaged, it provides food and shelter for a host of critters. The trunk itself will be slowly incorporated back into the earth. But the open canopy provides just enough light for younger trees to grow to fill the spaces. I expect those gaps will start to be filled in soon!
That is so good to hear. We have a blue heron in the park we visit several times a week and it makes me happy when I can spot it somewhere. Such beautiful birds!
Yikes! Mother Nature can sure wreak havoc. I hope the birds are okay. The disaster bit aside, I really like your images of that cute little island. I hope it can heal quickly.
It’s always good to know people are thinking of me.
I am doing well in spite of the fact that I find myself almost fully unemployed thanks to Mr. Trump‘s executive orders regarding DEI. My main client is Diversity woman media. They get most of their funding through corporate sponsorship and corporations aren’t spending money in the DEI space. But I am hopeful we will weather the storm. In the meantime…. If you hear of any design projects, send them my way. I’m not quite ready to retire quite yet.
Keep sharing. I am always happy when I see an email from you.
Will definitely keep you in mind, Cathy. You are a talented designer and incredibly creative. Any publisher or corporation would greatly benefit from your services.
Yes, the mudflats between Dunlap's Landing and that island claimed lots of boat props over the years! Although I've seen herons on the lake, I've never seen a rookery (though I don't spend much time out boating these days). I've never seen them here, specifically, though I scaled back walking at the park when they reduced maintenance and began closing it for the winter. Herons are communal in nature, so they do tend to build nests together. All the pine needles keep you from seeing these nests from a distance, but when I zoomed in on just one of my photos, I could see lots of nests and 13 herons!
What a shame nature chose to down all these trees possibly destroying nests in the process, but life goes on and the birds will rebuild, maybe somewhere else! However, unless you can find a different vantage point, your perfect spot is gone. There was a perfect spot at Oatland Island Wildlife Center a few years ago with a platform jutting out in the water. Nests everywhere, and then a tornado took it out!
Lynne, I wonder if it has something to do with small islands or if that is just a random coincidence...if, by being surrounded by water, they somehow become prime targets.
I confess that what I loved about the island was its shape--trees included. While I still have a personal connection to the island (having grown up in that cove and from photographing it for several years), it doesn't strike me as photogenic right now. But who knows...watching it adapt and regrow may turn into another story. Time will tell.
Stunning photographs of the island. The three images together are so evocative.
It is always sad to think about the animals and birds whose safe spots may have been destroyed.
Thank you, Manuela. Any thoughts on how the birds were impacted is speculation, but my reading indicates it takes several days to several weeks to build a sturdy nest and that we are well into the season for laying eggs. The implications of that make me sad, and yet, the birds were so active and struck me as resilient—determined to stay where they were and carry on. I am now curious to follow their activity.
I just finished reading "Forest Walking" by Jane Billinghurst and Peter Wohlleben. The book talked about what you can expect to see in a forest if you take the time to experience it with all you senses. It pointed out that when a tree falls or is damaged, it provides food and shelter for a host of critters. The trunk itself will be slowly incorporated back into the earth. But the open canopy provides just enough light for younger trees to grow to fill the spaces. I expect those gaps will start to be filled in soon!
Oh, I like that, Donna! Those fallen trees are serving a good purpose, too. Thanks for the reminder. Hope you are doing well.
Oh, I hope their nest was sturdy enough to withstand! Beautiful images and a great little project!
Thanks, Suzanne. The herons were there and active, so I guess they decided it was a good place to be even if there was rebuilding required.
That is so good to hear. We have a blue heron in the park we visit several times a week and it makes me happy when I can spot it somewhere. Such beautiful birds!
Wow! Your captures are stunning and revealing, Lee Ann.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Evelyn. I enjoyed seeing you recently. Hope you have a good weekend!
Yikes! Mother Nature can sure wreak havoc. I hope the birds are okay. The disaster bit aside, I really like your images of that cute little island. I hope it can heal quickly.
Thanks so much. The island will heal; it just needs time. And the herons seem to be adapting.
Gorgeous. And it strikes me as the perfect metaphor for our time.
So true. Hey, it's nice to hear from you. Was thinking about you just last night. Hope all is good...despite the times.
It’s always good to know people are thinking of me.
I am doing well in spite of the fact that I find myself almost fully unemployed thanks to Mr. Trump‘s executive orders regarding DEI. My main client is Diversity woman media. They get most of their funding through corporate sponsorship and corporations aren’t spending money in the DEI space. But I am hopeful we will weather the storm. In the meantime…. If you hear of any design projects, send them my way. I’m not quite ready to retire quite yet.
Keep sharing. I am always happy when I see an email from you.
Will definitely keep you in mind, Cathy. You are a talented designer and incredibly creative. Any publisher or corporation would greatly benefit from your services.
Interesting photo essay.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate the feedback.
Love your images in Black and White - very beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much, Joseph! Glad you enjoyed these.
Beautiful photos, and I always enjoy your stories. Thank you so much!
Thank you, Maria. I so appreciate that!
I remember that Island! I had no idea there would be so many birds there!
Yes, the mudflats between Dunlap's Landing and that island claimed lots of boat props over the years! Although I've seen herons on the lake, I've never seen a rookery (though I don't spend much time out boating these days). I've never seen them here, specifically, though I scaled back walking at the park when they reduced maintenance and began closing it for the winter. Herons are communal in nature, so they do tend to build nests together. All the pine needles keep you from seeing these nests from a distance, but when I zoomed in on just one of my photos, I could see lots of nests and 13 herons!
What a shame nature chose to down all these trees possibly destroying nests in the process, but life goes on and the birds will rebuild, maybe somewhere else! However, unless you can find a different vantage point, your perfect spot is gone. There was a perfect spot at Oatland Island Wildlife Center a few years ago with a platform jutting out in the water. Nests everywhere, and then a tornado took it out!
Lynne, I wonder if it has something to do with small islands or if that is just a random coincidence...if, by being surrounded by water, they somehow become prime targets.
I confess that what I loved about the island was its shape--trees included. While I still have a personal connection to the island (having grown up in that cove and from photographing it for several years), it doesn't strike me as photogenic right now. But who knows...watching it adapt and regrow may turn into another story. Time will tell.