Bird Watching

Egret on the left, Heron flying in from the right.

I've been home during the day, with vacation. Good bird watching weather.  My resident Great Blue Heron is very crabby and territorial.  Typical heron.  He or she chases off the resident Great White Egret regularly.  I watched this morning as the heron hunted amongst the reeds.   The egret flew in, I think not realizing the heron was hidden from view. As soon as the egret landed, the heron stood tall, puffed up, croacked a craggy squawk, and walked purposefully through the shallows, giving a triumphant stab of its beak in the direction of the retreating egret. 

Heron triumphant after chasing Egret away.

With the rain and winds, we now have waves (wavelets?) on the lake. Not boat wake waves, but real waves.  Fun to watch the birds bobbing.

Waves!

The coots have moved in en-masse. I call them the flotilla of coots.  There's often a lone coot hanging out in the water.  I haven't seen the ducks all week, so I think they've moved on. 

Flotilla of Coots

School has been so much fun lately. I've been doing a lot of what I love doing--making connections with kids and adults. Building community.  This week I've been painting a giant leopard (school mascot) to hang in the cafeteria, along with messages the leopard says, like "You are a Lower Lake Leopard" and "You are Capable".  Also working on our first whole-school graph that will hang in the cafeteria.  I want to do a monthly graph.  Each grade level has a different color, so we can see the overall data, as well as grade level data.  Real-world math, all the way!!

Lone Coot braving the elements.

I have learned that my horse Ber is an equine Curious George.  I have a new perspective on him, and how he approaches the world.  I set up situations for him to explore, instead of trying to get him to STOP exploring.  He loves it. And when I want him to focus on something I'm doing, he's more willing and he has a more positive attitude.   Ber and Gio both seem happy and secure.  

Coots don't fly much. They run on the water with the help of wings....

On Saturday I am looking forward to hiking up Mt. Konnocti. There is a docent led trip, starting at 8:30, weather permitting.  When I found out about it, I called to reserve a spot, and got the last two slots.   Very cool, because my dad will be in town, and he loves to hike, too.  But first, my friends Davena & Will & Ewan are stopping by to visit on their way to visit family for TG.  A lot to look forward to this week!

The North side of Mt. Konocti, from my house.

I am grateful for my view.  Grateful for the students and teachers I am getting to know and work with every day.  My heart is full.   I hope you have a good Thanksgiving day/weekend, whenever and however you celebrate the season.  
:) Emily