Scioto River

The last day of September and I got up and took off to the Park Annex by the Scioto River to see how it had changed.   There is more water running in it now and the fog was on the water.....

This is the walk down to the river edge from the annex.  The first things I see is a lot of Canadian Geese.

Some were swimming, some flying, and some looked like they were hiding in vegetation.











This beautiful Heron was right within touch and as soon as I took the picture, he flew away.

The river looked so beautiful this morning.  I decided to walk down the bank for a while and see what else might be visiting.

 I only saw one Robin, high up in a tree and there
were a bunch of Starlings too...

Then I heard the Kingfisher and started looking around for him and finally found him on this log.

 But he saw me too and quickly flew off.









I found him on the tree stumps in the middle of the River....Can you see him sitting there?

I suddenly saw this furry thing on a log and couldn't quite figure out what it was...so I got closer, very quietly.










It looked like a cat...but such a big cat.  I flashed
Bobcat...but knew that couldn't be..........

Trying to get a better look...I had to move some weeds and trying to be quiet.  But if you notice his ear is pointed in my direction....He knew I was there all the time.  He turned his face a little and I could see it was a cat....a Very Big Cat...just relaxing in the sun, watching the river....I guess he decided I was OK...because he continued to lay there.

So I moved on down the river and saw something in the middle on a stick...had to get closer and it was a Cormorant sunning himself.

 He was such fun to watch...he acted like he was giving me a show.....

He turned around so I could get a front view.
Back on the bank a Heron was watching the show too.....

 Then he made a noise and was watching something

The Heron took off and this huge bird flew over us.  I thought at first it was an Eagle but it landed in a tree and I discovered it was an Osprey.  I saw it's mate fly into another tree but couldn't get a picture of him....I stayed and watched for a while...hoping they would do some fishing....as the fish were jumping out of the water.  But they didn't....the forest Rangers arrived and put their boat in the water to patrol the river and that scared away the Cormorant

The Great Egrets were there too and they flew off also.....

As their boat rode out of site I decided it was time to go home....everything was gone except for the Osprey...

 Saw this beautiful Chickweed Moth.  Still had due on the ground...There were grass spider homes all over the ground.   You wouldn't notice them if it wasn't for the dew.

So my shoes and the bottom of my jeans were all wet and people were coming out...walking their dogs and getting ready to fish....so my solitude was broken....the Big Cat was gone from his log....so home I went.  Was a great way to end September.   Can't wait for the changing of the leaves...Hope I can get out and get some pictures for you all to see....Till next time!!!!! Peace.