One Word Sunday: rush
Posts Tagged ‘egret’
Rush
Posted: December 12, 2021 in One Word SundayTags: egret, One Word Sunday, One Word Sunday: rush, Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, rush
The Riparian Preserve
Posted: May 25, 2020 in Monday walkTags: birds, black-necked stilt, ducks, egret, egrets, Gilbert Arizona, Jo's Monday Walk, Monday walk, Muscovy duck, Riparian Preserve, turtles, walking
As most of you already know, last week I left my canal walks, heading for The Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona. The City of Gilbert manages the seven recharge basins (lakes) to replicate wet and dry periods.
A riparian habitat or riparian zone is a type of wildlife habitat found along the banks of a river, stream, or other actively moving source of water such as a spring or waterfall. The term generally refers only to freshwater or mildly brackish habitats surrounded by vegetation and may include marshes, swamps, or bogs adjacent to rivers. The Spruce
Birds are the big draw for a large number of people. The many trails are also perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or even in some places, horseback riding. It’s also used for dog walking and fishing and…photography.
Even at 5 am, just before sunrise, everyone is out and about! There are lots of egrets rushing in all directions for juicy insects and perhaps some fish.

The duck family wasn’t too afraid of me and although Mama kept an eye on me, everyone else was busy eating and cleaning themselves.

One Word Challenge: Birds…on the I&M Canal
Posted: March 23, 2016 in Misc. Photo Challenges, NatureTags: birds, egret, Nature, One Word Photo Challenge, One Word Photo Challenge: Birds
Pardon my double-posting today, but I just saw Jennifer’s One Word Challenge theme, “Birds” and wanted to share a photo I’ve had around for a long time, waiting for the right moment.
My husband, an avid cyclist (the biking kind), has ridden on the I&M Canal trail in Illinois more than once. In a riff of the Rails-to-Trails theme, the canal is still there, but the towpath is now a hiking/biking trail.
After repeatedly hearing of it beauty and wildlife, I decided I had to see it as well, only on foot. So one afternoon, we walked a few of its 60+ miles, which took some time, as I was constantly stopping for photos. It was warm enough that we even spotted a number of turtles sunning themselves on logs in the water. It was amusing to hear them plop into the water if we got too close.
We also spotted a number of birds. Perhaps because there were so few people out that day or maybe just because they’re somewhat used to humans, there were a number of great photo ops. Here’s one beauty who appeared to be posing for the shot. Thankfully, I had my Nikon and not just my phone!