by Dennis Augustine
“Until you spread your wings,
you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.”
— Unknown
Along Los Gatos Creek,
I slowly stepped off my bike,
camera ready,
and moved a little closer
to a Great Egret standing quietly nearby.
I knew what would happen.
One step too close—
and those great white wings
would open to the sky.
And they did.
In seven fleeting frames,
I watched stillness become motion,
motion become flight,
and flight become freedom.
It looked effortless.
But in the wild,
little is wasted.
Every movement has purpose.
Every ounce of energy matters.
Perhaps nature was offering
a quiet lesson:
Save your strength
for what matters.
Let go of what doesn’t.
And when the moment comes—
spread your wings.
Los Gatos Creek County Park
