Heron weathervane

Along my stretch of the beach is a cute summer gazebo. Today it had a new adornment... a new weathervane. 

Yes, perched atop the gazebo was a great heron. Probably four feet tall, this big bird was taking in the sights until a couple of crows started heckling him. That was a cue to take off.  With legs dangling and a wing spread of probably six feet, it was a slow and awkward start but eventually turned graceful and masterful.

How delightful that Big Bird provided a pleasant beach diversion this morning.

Also, two more turtle nests today bringing the total to 28 in the northern part of the county. 
All the nests are way up in the dunes. Any old wife with a tale to tell says this behavior means we'll be having a weather occurrence along the shoreline within the next 60 days or so. I'm not an old wife so we'll just have to wait and see if these turtles know something the rest of us don't.

This one I call In the weeds with self-portrait.