On September 3rd, a Green Heron paid us a visit. While I was down at the Indian River, binoculars in hand, the heron flew onto our old dock, about 100 feet from where I was standing. After a brief examination of the dock, looking for food I presume, it hopped over the edge behind a cluster of tall grasses, where the water is extremely shallow and regularly hosts a good number of tiny fish. It then re-appeared and began making its way across the narrow river, jumping/flapping its wings, as it moved from rock to rock along what we call our stone bridge, stopping once to catch a dragonfly. When it reached the opposite bank it spent about 5 minutes inspecting a bundle of dead branches that had accumulated from beaver damage, catching what I think was another dragonfly, then flew onto a nearby dead tree that had fallen into the river, again looking for food before it finally flew off. All the while, I watched it in my binoculars.
Green Heron (Don McLeod)
I believe our hummingbirds are gone. I think the two males left towards the end of August, but our one female must have gone on September 4th/5th. On the morning of the 4th, I watched her for about 15 minutes in our maple only a few yards from the kitchen window, preening and shaking her tail , presumably preparing herself for the long journey. The female was totally at her ease, with no fear of being chased by any male. The maple is regularly used as a roosting station by the male, while guarding the two feeders.
We’ve had only the occasional sighting of a Monarch, but today there was one flitting about out front. I thought it would be a Viceroy, but thankfully I had my binoculars with me and was able to be certain of the identification. There was also a Brown Thrasher nearby.
We had a bat in the house last week, the third time since we’ve been here, and always at this time of year. Peter was able to catch it with a makeshift net and let it go outside. It didn’t make a sound, only flew about frantically, and would not fly out despite the open patio doors. I know it wasn’t a Pipistrelle. Those I recognize. It wasn’t large, so possibly it was a young Little Brown. Although I find it all a bit frightening, it’s good to see a healthy bat!
Little Brown Bat – Derry Fairweather
I do so enjoy the weather we’re having at the moment – cooler temperature with a lot less biting bugs (though those little ones are still around), and the wonderful skies. I enjoy taking pictures of cloud formations.
Stephenie Armstrong, Sawmill Road near Warsaw
