Jordan Lake. Great blue herons really enjoy standing still within a garden of American water willows. Fish love to get in around the stems of the American water willow which of course means it’s a good place for a great blue heron to look for food. The American water willow’s blossom reminds me somewhat of a tiny iris. You can find them at some of the boat ramps on Jordan Lake these days. Go and enjoy this native plant.

Jordan Lake. Do you need some bright cheerful song to brighten up the grayness of the day? This northern Mockingbird was very full of itself. Occasionally looked down to make sure that I was actually listening and watching it. By the way the constant hum underneath the mockingbird’s song is the chorus of the cicadas singing.

Jordan Lake. First Nest. This is a black-and-white rendition of Mom Kate carrying a fish to the nest today. I still do not know whether or not the second chick has fledged! I either see one in the nest or two in the nest, or one in the nest and one in the air. So until I can see both of them in the air at the same time, I’m still up in the air about both having fledged, so to speak.

Jordan Lake. One of the interesting things about a Canada goose is that if it’s going to feed from the water he can only feed where the water is no deeper than the length of its own neck. So the goslings have to be brought to very shallow water for the babies to feed. Of course both Canada goose goslings and parents are happy to graze on land too. Enjoy the family.

Jordan Lake. This red-spotted admiral butterfly is mud puddling. It is lapping up various minerals, salts and amino acids that it needs in order to have a balanced diet. I find it absolutely fascinating that some butterflies which we associate with flying and floating between flowers actually spend time on the ground getting some of their nutrients.