Handsprings and cartwheels, I just learned of a wonderful bird hangout that is a mere TWELVE minutes from my house. We visited the Riparian last year but just as a pleasant place to stretch our legs. Little did we know that this special refuge is the chosen spot of an interesting subspecies of the Great Blue Heron, known as the Fannini's. These herons do their own thing and do not migrate, as do the Big Blues. They have lived in the Riparian for 22 years. And there is a nesting pair of Bald Eagles living here too. Today I saw not a single heron, but over the next few weeks they are expected to arrive and begin their yearly nesting. Who do you suppose will be eagerly waiting for them?!! The eagles were active this weekend, as well as many species of ducks. I sat by the bank of the river for a time and was startled by a rabbit streaking at lightning pace through the underbrush of an embankment at one point. This interesting place is relaxing and peaceful to visit. For more information go to this excellent site dedicated to the Riparian Forest: http://www.heronsforever.org/