Prehistoric Visitor

The observor has been on an end-of-year vacation of sorts.  Leaving the main building recently in the gray light of near-night, he sees our favorite migrant, the Great Blue Heron, who hunts for gophers by day, and has decided his hunting is done for this day.  He spreads his wings, then flaps them a few times and is airborne.  He heads west over the building: gray shadow on gray sky, more spirit than being.  He coasts in total silence, while inside our residents eat dinner and watch pre-inauguration news.

The observor wonders if the gophers are especially plump in the Hillside House valley, or perhaps Mr. Heron knows he’s welcome, and simply feels at home.

Searching for prey