Its Busy at the Fish Pond

Some days its just nice to sit and watch the leaves float by.

After a little bit of cool weather the woods are truly beginning to take on the look of fall. There is still a lot of green in the treetops but it seems easier to see through the forest as many leaves have begun to droop before their inevitable demise. The first few spots of color are spreading and are taking on the full brilliance of the season.



The wildlife that depends on the pond seems to be taking it all in stride. Many of the ducks that have been here for the past couple of weeks are still around. They come and go spending their time here feeding and resting.




The juvenile heron doesn’t seem to take a hint as well as the young eagles apparently have. While this years eaglets were persuaded to leave mom and dads hunting area several weeks ago the adult Great Gray Herons still spend a lot of time chasing and harassing their newest addition to the world. I’m not sure whether they are trying to force it to move on or something else but it certainly doesn’t seem to be getting whatever message they are trying to send.


Even after being run off repeatedly he always seems to show back up in search of a meal. He certainly has the appetite of a growing teenager and is probably lucky to have been born near such a prime fishing spot as the Fish Pond.


Of course now that I have posted that I have not seen my friend the adult Bald Eagle in awhile he shows up. He landed on his normal perch and spent a few minutes grooming himself before leaving. Actually I don’t think he was expecting my new blind. That and a little motion from the camera lens where probably just enough to make him feel it wise to perch somewhere else.

It seems like I saw every species of bird I have ever seen at the pond before at one point or another this week. I even saw a few I could not identify. I’m sure this is another sign that fall is now in motion here in northern Michigan as I am sure it is in areas all along the nations northern boundary.

If you’re a fall colors fan try something different this year.

Leave the car and take a quiet early morning walk in the woods this season. Pick up a frost-covered leaf and enjoy the pattern of the ice crystals that cover its surface. Blow on it and watch as you’re warm breath melts them away like a time lapse film. Look up from under a tree that is in full color and find yourself marveling at the vivid color and detail brought out by the late morning sun. (Don’t look directly into the sun, just at the leaves) Sit quietly for thirty minutes and count how many different types of wildlife you see scurrying about.

You could be surprised not only by what you see but also by how nice you feel at lunchtime.

Have a great one! Get out and enjoy some of Mother Nature’s finest artwork!

Kevin