We were watching an  eagle flying down river this morning and just at that moment, noticed some movement on the shore line close to the first bench on the River Trail. Suddenly a deer ran out onto the thin ice. For a few steps it was good and then it went through. Thrashing and splashing; desperately trying to climb out of the freezing water.  It finally made it to the other shore.

I had my camera in hand in time to record the successful end to this morning’s Nature story.  Or so I thought.

The next thing we knew, instead of heading into the forest, it headed along the shore line (on the ice??) running up river.

It did not make any sense why it would be running along the shore line, up river. We held our breath as it broke through again... 

....and then struggled to open water and started across the river again

 It seemed to have little problem swimming against the current and within a minute it came out just down from us

It seemed pretty happy to be out of that water.

As it ran by the house it stopped, looked right at me and I am sure it was saying “ Did you see that? I made it!”

Stu and I were discussing why it would have gone back across the river twice??

One scenario- If a wolf was in pursuit, crossing the river once bought the deer some time; but if it circled back, hiding it's scent in the river  twice, it had a much better chance of staying safe.  Pretty smart.... taking those extra steps to protect itself.

We had a spectacular sunrise this morning.

I thought I would share a nature story from yesterday morning.

Quite early, just as the sun was rising, Stu and I looked down river and saw the ducks, geese and swans swimming toward a larger open spot right in front of us. As they gathered with the geese and swans forming a circle around the smaller ducks. The geese and swans alternating to create the greatest defense. Then we looked up and saw what all the excitement was about. A large Bold Eagle was flying up river toward the circle.

All of this drama happening without a camera in hand. By the time I got my camera, the Eagle was gone and the atmosphere was much more relaxed.  It was once more safe for the river community.

We have seen this before. How all of the waterfowl will band together against an common enemy..

 The warmer temperatures yesterday opened up a large area, just around the bend from the falls, that has attracted the Geese, Ducks and the Swans. And everyone is pairing up. This morning the Swans were involved with a lengthy matting dance.

May the beauty of nature brighten your day!