A Walk by the river.................

We are just a few blocks from the Boardman River, but we drove down and parked. It's a cold day and Gerry's back is still a bit iffy. Figured we could walk further if it was worth it. So off we went.
It was cold but sunny.



It's a bit soggy down there on the grass but manageable. They built a boardwalk there and that helps. There was a Mallard napping but he jumped in the water before we got to him, also saw a Cormorant but he took off as well. So putting him on the back burner we hoped to see him when we returned. We watched the Salmon in the water. They are spawning now and chasing each other.Big ones too. We saw a Kingfisher fly by, no doubt looking for a good meal.Those ones were too big for a bird his size but the Cormorants must get good meals. Saw plenty of Squirrels playing and gathering food. The snow won't be long, it's snowing in Gaylord further across the State.



Across the river they built apartments. It's not bad really. I don't like the spreading of the town but at least what goes in is not too bad looking. They certainly could not have built any closer to the water.



we walked to the steps that led up to the road and crossed over to walk to the Weir. We could still see Salmon but the water is darker there so it's hard to get pictures. I saw another Cormorant napping on the other side. I whistled and he put his head up.



Gerry walked along the boardwalk but I had spotted the Cormorant so went down to the river again. Then another one flew in. This one was fishing and diving. I don't think he had a lot of luck and was obviously used to people because I certainly didn't intimidate him. He would dive and pop up somewhere else. Once he took forever to come back up. Then I noticed he was right up close to me and I missed him coming up. We could see the fish in the water but it was too dark to get pictures




Well we could only watch him so long so we walked back to see if the first Cormorant was still there.


I love this old tree.


The ducks had come back and were napping. They didn't notice me. Then a couple awoke and started to preen and stretch. Then they went to join the others over the other side of the river. That's when I spotted the original Cormorant. He was on a branch in the river and blended right in. The Kingfisher flew by again but didn't stop where I could see him.





That guy stayed behind. I stood and talked to him and he just went back to sleep. So I turned my focus on the Cormorant.





Well that was a sweet encounter and I am glad we decided to take that walk. Someone made this statue (?) it looks like out of a tree trunk. I couldn't see what it was supposed to be. I need a closer look. there must be a story to this.


One thing about these places, it's different every time we go there. The water was high, we have had a lot of rain.
I want to try to take a nice walk at least every other day if not more. For now anyway.......till the snow comes.