HOW HOT IS IT?
"I'll tell you how hot it is," Mr. Heron seemed to be thinking

It was in the low 90s that day when I noticed this oddly postured blue heron perched on a stump in the pond. 

I could only imagine it had splayed its wings in an effort to catch the gentle breeze and enjoy some relief from the day's blast furnace-like temperatures.

I often see turkey vultures early some days spreading their wings to dry the morning's dew but this is the first time I've ever seen a heron being as ingenious in escaping the discomfort of the day's heat.

I chuckled to myself as I envisioned his taking the next cooling step--and going for a swim.

And so it goes.