"F" "G" and "H" are the letters for Today...

We explored the letter "B" (for bears), in an earlier blog.

Today's letters F, G, H stand for  

"Fall"  "Goats"  & "Herons".  They  have nothing in common

 except that I photographed the evidence of all

of the above in the last few days…

Fall colors have started and this tree was irresistible 

on my morning walk.

And I had to do a double take (and snap a couple

of pictures) as I walked past "Pumpkin Man" sitting in his chair 

 on the front sidewalk of his owner's home!!!

When heading for a Doctor’s appointment, we noticed many goats out 

in several fields, behind an electric fence, doing their job… 

“mowing” everything in sight.

And if you know Goats, you know that they'll munch on anything, 

even the fabric of the the leg of your pants if you get too close.

On my Aug 16 2022 blog, I presented an introduction to 
Egrets, Herons and Cranes.  Today we are comparing just

Herons and Cranes...  

The star of this blog  is specifically the

Great Blue Heron that I was fortunate enough to

 see in the early morning light and follow around our pond. 

(Remember to click on any photo for a larger view.)

Check close to the water's edge as he does a good job

of blending in with the rocks.

Herons live about 15 years and range in height from 

3’ to 4’ 6” and have a wingspan of 5' 5" to 6' 5".

Cranes & Herons look similar to most of us, but they
 are not even in the same family.  Cranes are taller with a shorter neck.

You can tell them apart when they fly because

 Cranes stick their neck out straight while Herons curve 

their neck into an “s” shape and pull it way back.

Cranes travel in flocks  while

 Herons are solitary travelers.

Herons will nest in trees as well as marshes, ponds, 

riverbanks & fields.

I followed this Great Blue Heron for quite a while

hoping he would take flight.   No such luck.  He

just hopped a few feet away if I got too close.

And I wasn't the only one admiring this elegant Great Blue Heron.

They can be found all year long around lakes and ponds,

so "keep your eyes peeled" when you're out and about!!!

For more information on Cranes, specifically Sandhill Cranes,

 check out my Nov 18 2020 blog.