After spending time looking for wildlife and you decide it’s time to go it’s become increasingly apparent to me that the wildlife is listening. Without fail that’s the trigger for nature to make itself known. Today’s visit to Onondaga Lake was no different. After two hours of searching and only finding one Great Blue Heron and a distant Bald Eagle it was apparent that everyone must be on break. So I told my son I’m ready to go. “Really?” he asked, knowing two hours is an unusually short visit. “Obviously there is nothing happening here today” I replied. That is the signal for all creatures hidden nearby to end their break-time and show themselves.
As we started our short walk back the car we noticed a larger waterfowl on a far bank through some branches. At this moment it took to the air in one direction, passing a Great Egret coming in the opposite direction. “What is that? I’ve never seen a white bird before.” my son asked. He then hurried off in one direction as I headed the opposite.
With our departure delayed by the excitement we were able to see a Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle and Hooded Merganser all in quick succession.
If our outings ever get boring the running joke is to simply say “It’s time to leave” and the wildlife will make themselves known.
