The first in our series. Questionable whether it can count as a sign of spring. Nonetheless, some tribute should be paid to our resident heron, and this is as good a time as any. Mark that intent and predatory gaze. It bodes ill for something small and slippery.

The photographer tells me that the bird’s name is Henry, but doesn’t recount how introductions were made. He has also established a line of communication with the creature and reports that it is muttering, “Here I am all done up in my smart new feathers and ready to go, but where’s Spring?” What function would these smart new feathers have in the scheme of things? Are they there to catch the eye of others of the same feather? To what purpose? Return soon for further updates.