Back to the Lake

The Canyon Wren sings a descending cascade of liquid notes 

that echoes through rocky canyons. 

~ All About Birds, Cornell University

Once the sun clears that cliff it will be time to go. It is stunning in the morning light.

After an errand we headed back down the hill to the lake. We kept Zelda on a leash. No one wanted to rescue her from the mud. She seemed to remember her experience from last week and stayed clear.

A Great Blue Heron flew low over the lake. The Canyon Wren serenaded us as we walked out of the inlet towards the open water...water that churned with fingerling fish (next time we will take a net).  Zebra Mussels clung to the rocks at the waterline. They are more than here - they are here in force.

Zebra Mussels :-(

It's a rough walk, the uneven limestone rubble that edges the water here.

Great Mullein

Three members of our group.

Small fish churning the water.

American Germander - a lovely delicate multi-blossom wildflower.

Indian Heliotrope

We grew tired. The sun came out and we headed  up and out.

The Great Blue Heron flying low over the lake.

Things heat up.

So many deer in this area. There was a herd crossing the trail as we headed back up the hill, but we see most of them on the drive in and out.