The Flickr Lastweekendinapril Image Generatr

We visit the arboretum for many reasons, the serenity of it all, the wildlife, a change of scenery, and the surprises.

Mostly for the surprises. We joke about seeing something new and or different nearly every time we visit. This trip was no different. On one of the rare occasions when trying to get some photos of the Great Egret in flight as it soared across the lake to settle in a tree at the other end, I managed to capture something else.

It wasn't until looking at my photos later did I realize the Great Blue Heron was also standing there on the bank! Now that was a fun surprise!

At the arboretum it's not unusual for the Egret to take off and fly across to the other side of the lake. And yet, it's nearly impossible for me to be able to capture the moment!

During this trip, however, I managed to actually get it in frame just moments before it landed high in a tree at the far end of the lake. Would have preferred to have it flying toward me instead of away, but that reflection makes it worthwhile in my book.

** Best when viewed large. Just click on the image.

Along one of the trails surrounding the lake at the arboretum there were lots of these wildflowers growing.

I had to be careful where I stepped as parts of the trail were very overgrown and looking very snaky, if you know what I mean. And after a close encounter with the eight-legged kind, I had to keep watch for those things, too.

So, it was nice to see these little wildflowers growing here and there, but alas I was reluctant to get many closeups, if you know what I mean.

As in Green Heron!

While taking photos of a Great Egret at the arboretum, I saw something in the corner of my eye - a dark bird flying up into the shadows of some trees.

Couldn't see it but still tried to take a photo of the general area, thinking it might be something different and make a nice change from the same old same old.

Imagine my surprise when editing my photos later and saw my dark bird lurking in the shadows was actually a Green Heron! And not in the shadows at all! Apparently, it was just hiding in plain sight!!

And now we have another bird to look forward to on our next visit to the arboretum!

A visit to the arboretum never disappoints. We usually see a Great Egret hunting in the marshy area of the lake. Mostly standing there like a statue, or occasionally moving on slow motion as if in pursuit of something, ready to strike.

Although I've never seen it catching anything, there must be plenty to eat or it wouldn't keep coming back.

It was a mild, sunny spring afternoon, so what better way to enjoy the day than to spend a few hours at the arboretum!

While crossing the footbridge, heading toward our fave sitting area, we noticed the water in the lake looked super muddy and coated with pollen. And THEN we noticed turtles all over the place, sunning on the bank.

Most had shells coated in mud, so they were probably the cause of the water looking so muddy. But with the sun warming things up they were definitely happy campers, In fact, one might even say the one on the far left was feeling groovy!

** Click on the image for a closer look.