The Winter Heron

The heron lifted straight up from the pond in a cloak of dark wings.

I thought they were all gone for the winter but I read that Great Glue Herons stay around until the water freezes.

I’m learning that not all birds migrate like that barn swallows, who leave and come back on predictable days.  Many birds go where the food is no matter the season.  So when I see the Canada Geese flying north in the winter it means they know of a place to get food.

The pond is partially covered with a thin layer of ice.  The heron wasn’t interested in the dead frogs and salamanders, which makes me think there are plenty of living animals to eat.

There were ducks in the pond too, they all flew off together when Zinnia jumped in for a winter swim.