a great blue heron contemplates a peculiar fall

We're having an abnormal weather this October. Record high temperatures have been recorded in many parts of the state this month with Seattle setting a record for most consecutive days above 75F.  In addition to October's warm and dry start, there is apparently a stable air mass stuck above us which is trapping the wildfire smoke over us. And still no rain in the horizon.

On Sunday, the sky was hazy and there was the occasional smoky smell, although the wildfire is on the other side of the state. After spending a couple hours of yard work, we took a break and went for a drive to see if the trees have started changing colors near the water (they haven't). Since we were already out, we decided to head to our usual stop at the Dungeness Landing County Park but there were no good photos to take. We stopped at the 3 Crabs  Nearshore and Estuarine Restoration site to see if we can watch some birds at the quiet stretch of San Juan de Fuca. There was a flotilla of seagulls nearby that seemed to be squabbling and arguing loudly, obviously without a referee. There were no ducks or geese, nor waders. And the Purple Martins must be all on their way back to South America.

On the south side of the restored site, closer to the bridge than the shoreline, one Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) did keep us company during our visit. These birds are present throughout Washington year-round. While October is no longer their breeding season, their foraging and nesting habitats are usually within close proximity, so there must be some rookeries nearby. Perched atop an old timber in one of the lagoons, the Great Blue Heron seemed to be contemplating this odd weather. If it was perplexed as we were, it didn't say; it was content to sit there, savoring the stillness of the moment.  

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