A Surprise Gift

My husband and I took a drive out into the country the other day. Driving around Constantia, West Monroe, Central Square and all the farms and meadows in between. Keeping an eye out for photo opportunities, but thwarted by a powerful summer storm. Bolts of lightning from the hand of Thor, torrential rain, booming thunder claps. Thrilling, but a little scary for the driver (me!).

So we turned Beatrix back to a southerly direction and headed home. (Beatrix is my copper-colored Kia, btw).

Back into our own stomping grounds to find, as we stopped at a red light in front of a car dealership, a great photo op! "Quick, get a picture before the traffic light changes!"

Hubby grabs Elphie (my Canon Powershot Elph 300...and yes, I do name most of the objects in my life; my laptop is named Midnight).

Anyway, not the greatest angle, but traffic was beginning to move and this fellow or lady didn't cooperate with a profile shot.

At first, it looks like a type of water snake, but it is in fact a great blue heron, hunting for frogs in a pond in front of a new car dealer, right next to a heavily trafficked road. It's a shame that these beautiful creatures have to live in a human environment of car fumes, noise and urban sprawl. But Nature finds a way.

It was a delight to see this wonderful bird, especially after being foiled out in the countryside. Nature is ready to give you gift at any moment, you just have to keep your eyes open.