01-27-2016, 05:43 AM
The last day of classes was perked up by the arrival of yellow-crowned night herons outside my classroom. When the retention pond fills, the water flows past my window to a creek and a pond via what we call The Moat. As soon as The Moat filled, the birds were there to reap the benefits.....The frogs also were happy--and singing very loudly: but for one, which was caught by one of the herons and consumed; one of my students saw it and remarked, "Well, that was kinda gross.Also outside the window: flocks of white ibis, including juveniles changing over to adult white feathers. We also saw a little blue heron in transition: the white juvenile feathers were mottled with incoming blue. Plus, ducks swimming past and dabbling.
Of the non-water birds, a cardinal pair has clearly set up housekeeping nearby, and we get to see both all day long. And, since I mentioned them, I will throw in another non-water bird. Well, actually, a non-bird altogether. No feathers at all......I now have a resident marsh rabbit, too, it seems. That earns much cooing over cuteness from both male and female students--yep: there are some things too bloody adorable even for males to adhere to stereotypes. Tongue..
Of the non-water birds, a cardinal pair has clearly set up housekeeping nearby, and we get to see both all day long. And, since I mentioned them, I will throw in another non-water bird. Well, actually, a non-bird altogether. No feathers at all......I now have a resident marsh rabbit, too, it seems. That earns much cooing over cuteness from both male and female students--yep: there are some things too bloody adorable even for males to adhere to stereotypes. Tongue..