The rain has stopped on a warm spring day and it’s a good time for a walk to the lake and forest just five minutes from home. The Great Blue Heron sees me coming and, quietly lifting its body into the air, flies low above the water to a tree on the other side of the lake. I remember visiting its breeding place not far away where with more than ten other heron pairs it built its nest.

On the far side of the lake, a flowering pear tree joins in the celebration of spring

And beyond the lake, leaves begin to bud in the forest

Croaking sounds break the stillness by the lake’s edge: First, at my feet. Then further down the creek. Looking down, I see a large American Toad.

Then, not far away, the smaller Eastern American Toad.

In the forest I notice the quick movement of a bird as it flits from one tree trunk to another. For a moment it pauses nearby. A White-breasted Nuthatch.

Alone with the cattails

Well, not quite alone