It gets hotter in our apartment as the sun goes down. I'm not sure about the science of it - something to do with the proximity of the lake, I'm sure - but all I know is that just as a nice, cool summer evening is beginning outside, we're starting to sweat. Evening walks seem like the natural thing to do, but after dinner I often find myself stuck behind the computer trying to finish some bit of writing. Thankfully on Tuesday night I was already having trouble focusing, so as things got warm and Steve announced he was going to the park, I was quick to tag along.
| A Black-crowned Night Heron watches for an evening meal. |
Our spot of choice on Thursday faced a small, wooded island in the middle of a pond. I kept hearing calls from the trees which I was sure was a heron, but neither one of us could spot the ruckus-maker with our binoculars. As the sun dipped lower a night heron finally flew out of the trees and out across the park, and I was happy the hidden bird was revealed.
But then they kept coming.
Every few minutes, by ones and twos, herons emerged from the trees. While we stood there, no less than eight swept out over the water, all but one taking off to parts unknown. Eight roosting herons, and we hadn't been able to spot a single one!
Now the challenge is on, of course. While some nights I'll still need to be at the computer, I have a feeling that for the rest of the summer Steve won't have much trouble convincing me that the work can wait, if only for one magic hour.


