The Quiet Magic of Egrets & Herons I've Come to Know and Cherish

by Dennis Augustine

I’m always grateful for the calm beauty of the egrets and herons along the Los Gatos Creek Trail—just a short bike ride from home.

Sometimes they let me get close… other times they sense me coming and take flight, and I’m ready with my camera to catch that magic moment.

“The heron is nature’s meditation.”

“A flight of herons is a quiet poem across the sky.”

White egrets, a green heron, and a black-crowned night heron—all quiet teachers of patience, presence, and grace.

Enjoy the photos.

The Goat Squad: How Our Evening Walk with the Girls Turned Into a GOAT Safari

by Dennis Augustine

After dinner, my son-in-law Kyle and I took a walk while our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy rode their bike and scooter respectively, chatting and giggling all the way. After a while…we heard it…that unmistakable joyful “Maaaaa!” echoing through the brush. When I first head about Folsom’s weed abatement goat squad, I imagined a modest, roped-off pack of maybe a dozen or two quietly grazing various neighborhoods. What did we see? Two separate hundred of acre sites of open space with 500 goats munching, chomping, climbing, and bleating their hearts out!

The kids were in heaven, trying to mimic the goat cries (I’m not sure who was louder—the goats or the girls.) It turned into an impromptu nature concert right there on the trail as the sun began to set.

These eco-friendly fire-fighting furry critters were chomping their way through dry brush to help keep the community safe from fire hazards—and to be honest, they were stealing hearts along the way.

The kids were LOVING the show. The trails turned into spontaneous giggle zones as the little ones tried to out-“baa” the goats (some of them are getting really good at it )

Postscript: With rising mechanical maintenance costs, the staff of Folsom Parks and Recreation Department has been contracting local goat herders to remove fire causing fuel rather than just cutting the weeds and leaving them in place.

#FolsomGoatSquad

Filoli Gardens in Full Bloom: A Day of Magic, Grandeur & Historic Charm

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I spent an unforgettable breezy, sunny day at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, and we are still in awe. From the moment you step onto the estate, it’s like entering another world—where every path, flower, and architectural detail whispers a story.

The botanical gardens are a masterpiece. Roses, tulips, wisteria, and a rainbow of seasonal blooms fill the air with fragrance and color. Each garden room feels like a painting come to life. We strolled past fountains, manicured hedges, and vibrant borders, each turn more stunning than the last.

The main house is pure elegance. Walking through its grand halls with original furnishings, wood paneling, and sweeping views of the gardens, you can almost imagine the Bourn and Roth families entertaining guests in the early 20th century. It’s not just a home—it’s history in bloom.

Lunch at the Quail’s Nest Café was a treat. Fresh seasonal ingredients, garden-inspired flavors, and serene patio seating made it feel like a secret garden within a secret garden.

Filoli has quietly hosted its share of notable guests over the years, from filmmakers (hello Dynasty fans!) to historians, artists, and even foreign dignitaries. It’s no wonder—this place is a treasure of California’s heritage.

The Last Gift Mom Gave Us: A Goodbye on Mothers Day Eleven Years Ago

by Dennis Augustine

Today I light this candle in loving memory of my beautiful mother, MariaMicalizzi Augustine, a woman of deep faith, fierce love, funny, and a soul made for nurturing. She was my first home, my first loving guide, my teacher in both strength and tenderness.

I thank God for the gift of her life, and for the sacred timing of her passing, on Mother’s Day, 2013, wrapped in love with all her children near (Josie, Steve, our late brother Michael and myself). I believe she waited for us—for me—since I took the red eye flight from California to New Jersey, the night before hoping I would get to the hospital in time before she would take her last breath.

I held that mystery like a pearl in my heart. Though I still miss her, I trust she is at peace, resting joyfully in God's light. Let this flame be a sign of my love. Let it rise like prayer—simple, warm, and true. Let it remind me that her spirit still shines through my life, and that our bond is stronger than death. Bless her. Hold her. Let her know I’m thinking of her now. And help me feel her love surrounding me and all of our family—today, tomorrow (Mother's Day) and always.

Amen!

THE GREAT BLUE HERON'S FlGHT FROM A LAKEFRONT DECK:

"Sitting on a bench after a walk around the Lake,

We watch the lake breathe—small ripples,

Light gliding over the surface like something remembering how to move.

And there—the elegant heron, still as driftwood, a shadow with feathers,

Patient beyond understanding. then, a shift, a ripple not from water—

But from wings. wide, slow, deliberate—as if time had loosened its grip

Just to watch, the air parts—no rush, no need—just the clean lift

Of something ancient reaching for sky, we don’t speak.

The lake doesn’t either. We just hold the moment—like you do

When something beautiful refuses to stay."

Postscript: I took these photos at Rinconada Lake following an after dinner walk with Cecile

A Whimsical New Year’s Tale about the First Sunset of 2025

As the first day of the year began to fade, the trails winding around our home in our gated community beckoned with a quiet, enchanting charm. The air carried a crisp freshness, the kind that nipped at your nose and cheeks—a reminder that winter still held the season in its grasp. But Cecile and were dressed for it, wrapped in cozy layers that kept the cold at bay, allowing us to fully savor the beauty of the moment.

As we walked, the sunset began its magical performance. Soft whispers of pink spilled across the blue horizon, blending with bold strokes of orange and gold, as though an unseen artist was painting the sky just for us. Floating clouds drifted lazily, tinged with the softest blush of color, while the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains stood steadfast, their peaks cradling the vibrant display.

The first sunset of the year unfolded in full glory, a masterpiece of fleeting beauty. Yet, I couldn’t help but think of how often we let our minds wander—caught up in to-do lists, memories, or daydreams. How many sunsets had we missed?

The sky’s colors deepened into royal blue and violet, the transition as smooth as the turning of a page. The trees stood like guardians, as their dark silhouette etched the brightening hues of the sky, and the mountains stood silent, as if to say, “This is just the beginning.”

As the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the mountains, we turned back home, our hearts full. The cold air nipped a bit harder now, but it didn’t matter. The trails, alive with nature’s gifts, seemed to carry the colors of the sunset with us—a vivid reminder to cherish the beauty waiting just above, if only we remember to look up.

The Joy of Capturing Nature During the Autumn Seasonal Changes

I made three attempts to take my daily bike ride yesterday afternoon. The first two times it rained, even though my weather App gave no indication of rain. My car was out on the driveway and was wet. I grabbed a towel from our garage storage cabinet and dried it off, saving me a trip to the car wash I had planned earlier in the day. The third attempt to ride worked like a charm. Within ten minutes I found myself on the Los Gatos Creek trail.

Bike riding in nature during autumn is a beautiful, immersive experience. The fluffy cloud formation, cool, crisp air, and the vibrant colors of changing leaves created a calming backdrop. The riding trails were littered with fallen leaves, and crunched gently beneath the tires, adding a sensory dimension to the journey. The light filtered through the trees, and the sun setting in the late afternoon, casted a warm, nostalgic glow on the surroundings. Riding in autumn offers a peaceful escape, as many trails are quieter, less crowded, and closed off to car traffic. Wildlife is more active as well; a time when squirrels gather food, and birds call out, preparing for winter. The season invites a slow, more mindful ride, allowing time to appreciate the small details, like a cormorants on the high wires, and on a log, an egret resting on a tree branch, ducks wading gently in the creeks and streams that reflect the colors around it.

Witnessing The Grey Heron Gracefully Stalk & Catch it's Prey at Rinconada Lake

two-acre lake

to do her business. By the time we walked half way around, I spotted a Great Blue Heron gracefully walking

passed some ducks in shallow water, looking for prey. While they do eat other animals, their man source of food is fish. Unlike

other waterbird species which ofter feed together, herons are extremely protective of their fishing area.

Now I have taken photos of herons all around the Bay Area for years. What made this time so different is I actually witnessed one catch a fish more skillfully than the fishermen I see

fishing on the Los Gatos Creek trail with a mile or two from my home. While they wade in the water, herons scan for fish with

their keen eyesight, and once they target one they spear it with their long beat. While I didn’t actually see it spear the fish

I did see it swallow it whole.

The following poem "Silent Fisher” written by Mary Oliver reflects on the presence and behavior of herons, describing them

as graceful, contemplative, and skilled fishers. She captures the tranquility and beauty of these birds that in their natural

habitat, emphasizing their quiet persistence and patience, qualities we can all learn from.

Silent Fisher

By waters edge where reeds do sway, The heron stands in quiet display.

With legs so long and eyes so keen, it hunts in waters clear and clean.

A symbol of the patient art, the heron’s grace does touch the heart.

In every stance, tale of might, the heron waits through day and night.

A guardian of the river’s flow, the heron moves with quiet glow.

Note: Look closely and you can see the heron grasping it's prey between its beak. There is also a short video clip

A Praying Mantis Visited us on Friday the 13th

While waiting for the locksmith to fix our front door lock, I noticed it suddenly appeared on swirling glass side panel next to the door.

The mantis’ play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control pests by eating other insects.

In many cultures, the praying mantis is seen as a symbol of calmness, patience, and mindfulness. The insect’s still, prayer-like posture has led people to attribute spiritual meaning to it. In African and Asian traditions, for example, the mantis is considered a good omen, symbolizing peace and stillness.

It has been alleged that in some cases, the female mantis is known to bite off the head of the male after mating, symbolizing the intensity of nature’s survival mechanism.

Note: All but the first photo were taken by me.

Shoreline & Baylands Nature Preserve & Lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen

“Biking through a nature preserve is like turning the page of a beautiful illustrated book, with each trail offering a new chapter filled with life and adventure."

What a fantastic and colorful way to experience the outdoors and the harmony of nature. It’s been quite a while since Bill and I rode our bikes on the Stevens Creek Trail leading to Mountain View as well as the Baylands Nature Preserves in Palo Alto. We stopped to take photos in front of the completed Google Headquarters, rode the very narrow trails of short rolling sand dunes with over six foot of blooming yellow wildflowers on either side of us. Thousands of Shorebirds on islets on the bay created a melodic symphony of sounds that contributed to the natural ambiance of coastal and wetland areas.

Their calls and songs are often complex and can range from melodic whistles to repetitive trills. Birds like white egrets, rhythmic peeping sandpipers, melodic whistles of plovers, screeching sounds of seagulls and the haunting calls of curlews each have a distinctive vocalizations that help them communicate, attract mates, and warn of potential threats. We took a moment to listen carefully to their symphony of sounds. It’s a beautiful and immersive experience that complements the peacefulness of a bike ride through the this very expansive and scenic area.

We paused at the rest stop in Bysbee Park where two guys were walking a pack of dogs on leash. We rode around the Palo Alto commuter airport and stopped to watch small craft take turns on the runway taking off in the bright blue skies. On our return we had lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen on their front patio on the closed-to-cars streets of downtown Mountain View before hitting the trails back to where Bill’s SUV was parked before heading home. We clocked about 27 miles round-trip during our half-day outing.

Our "Cat Saving Neighbor" Gets our Vote on National Superhero Day 2024

“Compassion for animals is intimately connected with the goodness of character.”

—Schopenhauer

A Story I shared with our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy who learned about National Superhero Day in Preschool:

It was 1:30 p.m. last Thursday. Cecile and I made plans to donate some items to Goodwill followed by a late lunch. We barely made it out of our garage when we heard the sounds of a cat crying in distress. We looked everywhere, no sign of a cat. I decided to look up, and there it was, a black cat lying on the base of the limbs of a tree about 25 feet high from the ground.

Our neighbor Lucy Vaganov’s daughter Ksenia (pronounced Sen ya, the K is silent) came out to assess the situation and with the spirit and confidence of a first responder went into action mode. She and her father Vladimir brought out an extension ladder from their garage. He and I secured the top section of the ladder in between two tree limbs.

Before the long climb up, Ksenia put on a back brace, and anchored herself to the tree with a yellow cord. This was just the beginning of what became a three-hour drama. Unsure whether Ksenia would succeed and concerned for her safety, Cecile continued to reach out for help, making about 20 calls to every conceivable organization related to animal care and safety including the Los Gatos Fire Department to no avail.

In the meantime, Ksenia tried to gently coax the black cat down. She understood the risks without any guarantee she would be successful. Fatigue began to set in. Nevertheless she persevered with the focus of an olympiad. On her third climb back up the tree, she carried a big basket with a handle and a little plastic bowl of food sitting inside of it.

I was holding a padded utility blanket to catch the cat if it fell. To our relief, Ksenia managed to grab the cat and place it in the basket. How she managed to hold the cat in the basket with one hand and climb down with the other is still a mystery. We all waited with bated breath for her to make her descent. As they say, the third time was a charm, and we all experienced a sigh of relief.

It took a lot of courage and determination to climb a huge tree to save a cat. This kind of act demonstrates not only a deep sense of compassion but also bravery in the face of physical risks. Climbing a tree can be challenging and dangerous, with the risk of falls and injury, especially without the proper equipment or training. It is a myth, that cats never get stuck in trees. Some do get stuck and they do die.

Ksenia showed a willingness to put the safety of another living being before her own. Her actions brought relief to the cat's owners—whom we discovered the day after— belonged to our neighbors Pam and Jim further down the cul-de-sac. Their cats’ name is Bob, and his rescue also brought warmth to the hearts of those of us who witnessed and assisted Ksenia in such a selfless act of kindness. Ksenia’s bravery also served as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the small acts of heroism that occur every day. As we showered her with praises she good-naturedly took a bow like a ballerina and smiled like a Cheshire Cat.

The Enchanting World of Bike Riding During Sunset with Fiery Cloud Formations

“Riding through the golden hues of a sunset, every stroke of the pedal is a moment of pure bliss."

Night riding adds another layer of enchantment and mystery to the sport. Witnessing the magical hues of the evening sunset painting the sky with clouds forming intricate patterns overhead holds its own charm and allure. Riding the Creek trails with no cars to worry about, makes it an extraordinary sensory experience that is hidden to daytime riders. The air is cooler, the city noises are subdued and there are less pedestrians and dog walkers out and about that brings about a nuanced sense of serenity.

One would think that riding during early evening or twilight is isolating and lonely, but there are always a few of us sharing the secret of the night and it helps when you enjoy your own company to boot. The mysterious darkness amplifies the sense of adventure and thrill of exploration, creating a captivating experience all of its own. For safety, I always wear a helmet and I have a powerful headlight that illuminates the trail in front of me, and an attention grabbing red taillight and I usually make it home before it gets pitch black. Even when the sun goes below the horizon line, there is always enough natural light in the sky to see the city bike lanes we are blessed to have here in bike-friendly California to make it back home safely.

Embracing the Elements: The Joy of Bike Riding in the Rain

Ordinarily, I never start out riding in pouring rain unless I happen to get stuck in one which happened the other night. I try to find that sweet spot in between the downpours, which of late has been more challenging to do, with recent storms and 30 MPH winds hitting Northern and Southern, CA. Today was calmer. Riding in the rain offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Those who embrace the elements discover a special kind of joy in the midst of it, especially when nature abounds. The heightened sensory experience and feeling of liberation is hard to pass up. There is a sense of being one with nature, and experiencing its raw power and beauty firsthand. It is a pleasant reminder that we are not separate from the natural world, but in fact, an integral part of it.

I hit the Los Gatos Creek Trails heading west and had to navigate around a detour sign since the trail was flooded. I proceed to Vasona Lake County Park which essentially is a reservoir. On the way, I stopped at the spillway which was roaring as it usually does when there are continuous days of rain during winter months. I took some photos close-up near the railing, and walked down an embankment further away from the spillway which is relatively safer and flatter—albeit a muddy trail. All the plants and grassy knolls were lush green.

I continued on the paved trail and saw a huge downed tree that was pulled out of from its roots and was cordoned off with yellow tape (photos). The trail was blocked with debris and I walked my bike around the tree and continued on. Before exiting the park I took a photo of a beautiful rainbow, and made my why to "Happy Hound" and ordered two hot dogs to go, securing it in my utility bag on the back of my bike rack, before headed back into the park again, accessing the same trail to head home. On the way, I took some photos of orange bluish clouds being lit up by the sunsetting setting. The rain was more of a drizzle at this point, and it was dark.

Riding in the rain feels like an act of rebellion at times, a reminder that like is meant to be lived fully, even when being faced with obstacles.

Visiting the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards-Winery & Horse Stables: The Highlight of our Bike Ride & How I Met Former 49er Coach Steve Mariucci

“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.”—Sharon Ralls Lemon

Bill and I rode our bikes to Garrod Farms, family owned and operated since 1893, seeing some wild turkeys cross the road along the way. Garrod’s has 150 acres of vineyards and horse stables. Bill came up with the idea to ride around the Steven’s Creek Reservoir Lake, which we have done many times, and visit the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club including the Rifle-Pistol Range purely out of curiosity. Going to Garrod Farms was at first an afterthought. I suggested going there sometime and Bill responded, “Do you want to go now?" It turned out to be the highlight of our 22-mile round trip ride.

Garrod’s brought back some fond memories. One of the six generation of Garrod matriarchs—the late Jane Garrod—was a member of our Saratoga Community of Painters, a plain-air watercolor group back in the late 90s. Jane and her late husband Vince were kind enough to invite us to have our Christmas parties in their wine tasting room.

One experience that stands out is having met the affable Steve (the “Mooch”) Mariucci, the former football coach of the SF 49ers (1997-2002). His wife Gale was a member of our outdoor plein-air watercolor group. Gail invited us to their home one day to paint outdoors, and he had attended our Christmas party at Garrod's. During an elephant gift exchange, Steve and I playfully fought over a nude sculpture that looked like something you would find at an excavation site in Pompeii, Italy. Both of us being Italian, may have been the attraction. I won, and he was a good sport about it. kept the sculpture on the front ledge of our fireplace. I could hear the voice of my late dad, Frank, who was alive at the time, whispering in my ear that it would be worth money someday,” something he typically said about anything he collected:)

On our first order of business at Garrod's Vineyards, Bill and I purchased a bottle of "2017 Two Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon." We spent the rest of the time enjoying the view of the vineyards, overlooking Silicon Valley. From there we visited the gentle, beautiful horses in their stables. It was a very tranquil and calming experience that I have experienced many times throughout the years in other venues.

Postscript: This post is dedicated in memory to Jane Garrod (1918-2014), an artist, storyteller, role model, chef, healer, coach, gardener, conservationist, world traveler, friend to many, and lover of life.

Captivating Sunsets that Caught my Attention During Some Recent Bike Rides & Poets That Capture Their Essence

“Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth

You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that;

It lights up the whole sky.”

—Hafez, 14th century mystical Sufi poet from Persia

“Clouds come floating into my life,

No longer to carry rain or brings storms,

But to add color to my sunset sky.”

—Rabindranath Tagore

“I stand in silence, reaching with my eyes,

My God—you are beautifulI, love the way you fall

Softly losing space, I follow you down

As you paint the sky In your leaving

I wish we could so confidently follow our hearts

Leaving only ripples of light In our wake

My secret lover, I want you only for myself

How many times have I come here

With my sorrow, you lift me up in your fall

—Cindy Smith

Exotic Bird Encounters with Kukui the Resident Cockatoo & an Elegant Egret & Audience of Finches Begging for Crumbs

“My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator…He gave you feathers to wear, wings to fly, and...a home in the purity of the air.”

—St Francis, patron saint of animals

During my walk to my yoga class studio in the open-air corridor, I saw Kukue, the resident Cockatoo for the last three years. He’s a favorite of kids and bird lovers like me alike. Growing up in New Jersey my father used to have a parakeet, a canary and later a parrot as pets. Kukui, who is 18 years old, born on the same day as our daughter Michelle (Dec. 3rd) used to live with his caretaker in Kauai until he passed away. As a result the General Manager at Maui Ocean Club brought him here. I generally pay him a visit. He loves to whistle and is able to repeat short rapid fire phrases. White Cockatoos are often seen as a symbol of freedom, grace, and beauty and in some indigenous cultures are believed to be a guardian spirit that watches over and protects its human family.

The other bird encounter occurred when Cecile and Jason went to get some coffee and a croissant at Starbucks at the "Beach Walk" at the Marriott Ocean Club. While there, a Maui egret landed on the edge of one of an empty chair and then hopped onto their table trying to pursue Jason’s croissant until Jason shooed it away. This provided a rare photo opportunity and Cecile didn’t hesitate. Having photographed egrets on the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania, the grounds of our gated-community, and at the salt marshes at Shoreline in Northern California, these elegant birds rarely get this close to humans. Some years ago while walking the beach trail here on Kaanapali we saw an egret gulping down a small mouse—whole. Bright and white, this long-legged beauty is often seen hunting moths on one of Maui’s many gold courses. They were originally brought to the islands by cattle ranchers for agricultural pest control in the late 1950s. Often called Cattle egrets, they feast on everything from crickets to toads, and don’t have to pay the high prices we pay for meals at ocean front restaurants:-)

The last encounter or should I say encounters (plural), was a flock of chirping finches that helicoptered down on my beach covered toes and legs while I was eating lunch. They are more playful and interactive with anyone that gives them the opportunity to snatch a few crumbs.

P.S. Whoops! And a Myna Bird

Spotting the Black-Crowned Night Heron & a Great Blue Heron in Flight

I had two heron sightings—a day apart this past week. One was the black-crowned night-heron (aka: black-capped night-heron), a medium-sized heron that I spotted in the marsh beds at the Los Gatos County Park while on a bike ride. They don’t fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their familiar cousins, the white egrets and larger “day” herons. These birds like their tall and bigger herons stand still at the water’s edge and wait to ambush prey, mainly at night or early morning.

I spotted the larger great blue heron while walking Jason’s dog Daisy around the lake near our townhome in Los Gatos. The first encounter had been unexpected. It was hidden from sight when I heard the flapping of its’ wings, as it quickly took flight to the other side of the lake. At first, I saw it as a missed opportunity to photograph it. I then decided to follow it where it had landed about a few hundred feet away. Daisy and I walked on a small path close to the water’s edge behind a large section of reeds without being seen or heard. I first took some still shots, and based on previous experiences, prepared myself to photograph it when it took flight, which it did as Daisy and I inched closer. The great blue heron is the largest heron native to North America. Its wingspan ranges between 66-79 inches.

Postscript: All across various traditions, the blue heron has been known as a spiritually gifted animal that brings deep wisdom from the gods to man, while the black crowned night-heron is associated with solitude, self-reflection, resilience, grace and inner strength.

A Beautiful Sunset and a Full Moon During a Late Afternoon Bike Ride

It was a really cold and breezy yesterday afternoon. But, I was dressed for the occasion with three layers of clothing under my yellow windbreaker. When I was three quarters into my ride around Vasona Reservoir (an artificial lake), the sun was beginning to set and I saw streaks of orange/yellow blend into the clouds above the Santa Cruz Mountains. It reflected beautifully onto the lake. Two women saw me taking photographs and one of them alerting me to the fact that just ahead there was a full moon. Well, the actually full moon occurred today, November 27, at 4:16 a.m. EST. Nevertheless, to the casual stargazer it does appear full before and after its peak. November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, that my late dad used to cite to me when I was a kid.

Postscript: When the moon is full at this times of year, it's just about directly opposite the sun in the sky as it sets. They’re not technically happening at exactly the same time, but from the vantage point of us mortals on Earth, it appears so. What I was really witnessing, was three astronomical events: sunset, moonrise and a full moon, and it was grand

Capturing This Great Blue Heron Take Flight Over our Lake in Slow Motion

“Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”—Albert Einstein

There is nothing more elegant than watching a Great Blue Heron suddenly take off in flight. Cecile and I were taking our usual walk around Rinconada Lake where we live. Pressed for time we decided to take a detour. This turned out to be both a boon and a blessing.

As we pivoted around towards the thick reeds we were both startled by the presence of the heron standing tall. They can be as intimidating as they are fascinating. I took out my i-phone and quickly took a photo and proceeded getting closer.

I say I took a quick shot because experience has taught me if I wait to get too close this majestic creature it could get skittish and fly away. The other thing I learned was to be as prepared as a paparazzi to take sequential photos as they take flight. Most times it requires a combination of luck and opportunity. The clue whether its about to take flight is it begins to slowly stretch its body upward. The inner wings begin to stretch out and the outer wings contort downward at around 90 degrees as seen in the photos.

Then the long yellow legs and feet lift off the muddy waters below the reeds where moments ago it was patiently stalking it prey (little fish) with its' dagger-like beak. Most people think that a herons are just another shorebird, and get lumped in the category of ducks and fish. But, in fact, the heron is an efficient, nasty predator, willing to go after big meals such as snakes, sharks and other birds.

The spiritual meaning of a heron include elegance, patience, wisdom, self-possession, transformation and good fortune. According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron flies over you it brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance, and finally, the ability to progress and evolve.

Walking Around our Lake at Night Reflecting the Warm Glow of a Well Lit Home

“A lake is a landscape most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

—Henry David Thoreau

Photography is all about light. I have been alternating my walks of late, between morning and evening during these brisk wintery days. This photo was taken after dinner last evening. Following weeks of rain in Northern California where we live, I could hear the the once dry creek beds come alive as I cross a wooden bridge. The first part of the walk is almost pitch black, but I had my trusty little flash light to guide my way, being mindful of possibly seeing a coyote common in this area. As I circled back the smokey clouds and the warm glow from the yellow lights reflecting upon the water of a home on the lake was a welcome sight. In the distance I saw the only other person with a flashlight one level up the hill walking his/her dog. The other welcoming sight is the stained glass window illuminated by the light on the second landing of our townhome. What can’t be seen from the outside is a black sculpture of a flute player (pictured here during the day). It was one of our few possessions that we brought with us from Chicago when we moved to the area in 1975 that has always brought me peace whenever I Iook at it—which is daily—since we pass it whenever we retire for the evening.