This past summer, as three heat waves baked away what was left of the little mountain lake (full disclosure: residents of states with year-round rainfall have been known to laugh and laugh at the thought that this is a lake) the heron abandoned his perch on the dock and instead whiled away the days in the treetops.

Now, after a weekend of rain, with the water level of the lake (hush) rising again, he has resumed his spot.

Unless you get too close with the camera, that is. (Yes, that's his right wingtip. And yes again, not even in focus.)