Fox, vultures and dragonflies

     This morning I went up to the lake to do my 6.5 mile hike. I really enjoy these walks, either with or without companionship. So far, I've worn out my father and my son--both have been with me once and both were so tired afterwards that they didn't want to go back. Their loss. I don't mind going by myself and so far don't even listen to music because it is so beautiful to look at the trees, the animals and listen to the wild sounds. I see plenty of fisherman and some outdoors people running, biking or motorcycling.
     Today, I was lucky enough to see a vulture take off from a tree about 10 feet away from where I was walking. I'd seen two of them circling and thought they might be really big hawks, but then I startled this big fellow and he took off from the tree, flying over my head. Definitely a vulture. They are truly big birds and impressive in their own way. Lots better looking in flight than close-up though!
     As I walked I also saw plenty of dragonflies, many of them engaged in vigorous mating. When joined, they look like jeweled bi-planes, one atop the other, flying in unison. They're not really concentrating well on where they're going, but the fact that they can fly and mate at the same time is pretty impressive.
      Finally, I was privileged to see a fox sunning himself on a rock around mile four of my walk. He was a handsome fellow and seemed completely unruffled by either myself or the car that stopped to watch. Foxes are smaller than you would think--about the size of a large cat. The bushy tail was absolutely gorgeous, though I wish I had brought my camera.
    

Several times now, on my walks down by the college, I've been able to see a heron that looks a lot like the picture at left. He's flown past me once so I got to view the incredible wingspan and grace of the creature. Other times he just stands by the water of the little pond they have, perhaps looking for fish. I've seen one at the park as well, same type as at left but I've only seen that one once. The first time I saw it, I couldn't stop smiling. I probably looked like I was crazy, but who cares!