great blue heron

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By Feathered Air Conditioner

Great blue herons, in an effort to keep cool, do what looks to us like a dog panting. It’s not the same process however. The great blue heron flutters its gular … its throat tissues. With the heron’s mouth open, the damp throat is rapidly fluttered and causes a living form of evaporative cooling! Almost like an air conditioner with feathers.

By Face-Off

The immature great blue heron to the left is one of this year’s fledglings. The immature great blue heron to the right is probably from last year’s breeding cycle. All great blue herons are grumpy and very territorial. As you can see, the older youngster stands his place on the river’s edge and the younger bird eventually decides the better part of discretion is just to turn and walk off.

By Doc Ellen Needs Some Help

Dear viewers, could you help Doc Ellen? I had knee replacement surgery last Friday. I can’t get out and about for the next 4-6 weeks. I am already missing the lake. Would you mind sharing with me some of your photos that bring you joy and laughter? The photos don’t have to be of the lake, just need to be of your heart! Your sharing would ease my soul as I work towards healing. Thank you!

By Happy New Year 2025

About one year ago this young eagle was making the transition from being egg-bound to breathing air! This photo was made at Jordan Lake in late December 2024. The eaglet has survived, thrived and is eager to face the next year of life. Happy New Year young eagle!