Walk In the Park by Susan L.

  I went for a walk in the park Sunday afternoon. It was a lovely day although the breeze was a bit chilly. Most of the paths were clear except for a few patches of icy snow left in amongst the cedar grove and the pine plantation. The ground doesn't get much sun there.
  I chanced upon a Great Blue Heron. I don't know who was more startled, it or me. It didn't take off right away because my presence was camouflaged by some branches. They are shy birds and rarely do I get this close to one. We stood there for a few moments studying each other then with a couple of energetic wing flaps it was aloft and heading across the lake. It amazed me how quickly and gracefully it rose up in the air. They are big birds.
  The Canada Geese were another story. They've begun pairing off and claiming real estate along the banks. Woe to the trespasser on their claim. Human or otherwise is warned off by loud honking and aggressive neck sticking out and hisses.
  Parts of the lake and river are still covered in ice. The edges are slushy and easily broken. The geese would swim away from me as long as the water was flowing then their webbed feet would keep breaking through the thinning ice. It was a difficult scramble to stand up on it. Once up, it was like watching someone with two left feet trying to do a dance routine from Swan Lake or should I say Goose Lake. Wet, webbed feet have no traction so the geese would slip and slide as they struggled to walk on the frozen water. I found it absolutely hilarious to watch! It leaves me wondering how their featherless feet can stand the bitterly cold water.
  The bare trees revealed their own treasures. Their swelling buds hint at growth to come. Last year's bird nests were everywhere but mostly lining the river. I guess momma birds like having something to look at while they patiently wait for their eggs to hatch.
  I found myself smiling as I came across a particularly wet and slippery patch of ice on the path. My own feet slipped and skidded in their own directions. At least I have arms to help me regain my balance and poise. I'm doubly thankful there was no one around to see my goose imitation.
  Its amazing how many footprints are clearly outlined in the drying mud. There were plenty of dog and human but also racoon, rabbit and deer prints. So much goes on in the conservation area that I never see. There's so much life that hides itself away.
  "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Mat 6:6