There’s a hint of autumn in the air now. Finally it’s cooler, breezy and less humid. Okay. I’m going for full disclosure. It’s been gorgeous. And the beach has been lively with all kinds of shorebirds. Little Sanderlings and little humans enjoying the tidal pools together.
One morning I also witnessed a bit of a drama in the Royal Tern family. This is how it went down.
I hope all that was settled amicably after I had to leave. While all kinds of excitement was going on among the families on shore, the Brown pelican was sitting calmly on his observation pole off shore, watching it all. I could feel him thinking “this too shall pass”.
The salt marsh has been fairly quiet. No big rush of migrants as yet. As usual the Mayor has been keeping order among the residents. The other day I saw him chasing the younger GBH around the marsh. I wondered what mischief he’d been up to. Or maybe he wanted to challenge the Mayor and run for office? Like so many these days.
That wouldn’t be such a good idea. I doubt he would get any votes at all. Even Mama Sandy sounded a sharp warning when he as much as flew towards the nest the other day. But he was challenging his fate, as usual, and landed in the water just below the nest. He has a big ego, it seems.
The ducks would definitely gang together against him. They’ve been having these large sunset gatherings lately. Perhaps planning a super pack to support the Mayor? And they’ve been very inclusive. Mallards, Mottled Ducks, and even the tiny Pied-billed Grebe. Like one big, happy family.
I wonder if Papa Stanley and Mama Sandy were communicating about that very issue the other day. Papa was at his resort looking south, shouting something to Sandy. And posing for a photo in between. She was about half a mile south, sending replies perched on a huge antenna at the very top of the Marriott Resort on the bay side. That went on for a while before they said “over and out”.
In any case, if the young GBH was dreaming of running for office, my prediction is he’d not get support even from his own. The other Herons. The Tri-colored Heron seems to have her head firmly on her shoulders. And the juvenile Night Heron, although he might perhaps be persuaded by aggressive campaigning, is too young to vote anyway.
As to Miss Rosa, she seems very happy with the Mayor’s work. Nobody, but maybe a photographer, could make her to turn her head. And her friend Ibis may be blue eyed, but let me tell you, he’s not easily charmed. By anyone.
As to the smaller birds, like this Blue Jay, they like to keep a safe distance to anybody showing signs of aggression.
Based on this official, highly reliable polling, my prediction is that the Mayor will sit firmly in the office for quite some time to come. And I take a new rainbow over the salt marsh as a good sign.
With that, I’ll wish you all peace. And a wonderful upcoming weekend ~
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
Lots of beauty in the Salt Marsh these days…and I am a bit partial to those sunset gatherings! There was a gorgeous rainbow here this week, too. It was so bold and lasted a very long time. Good signs for all of us!
Yes, lots of beauty…and much less intrigue than in some other places 🙂 Happy you had a gorgeous rainbow too. We’ve seen several of those in the last month or so. Good signs!!
A delightful commentary on avian politics. I hope that ballots come back clean–no hanging chads.
Thanks! Avian politics can be quite fun. More so than ours. I hope stability remains at the salt marsh.
According to the pols, the incumbent doesn’t have a leg to stand on. (Get it? Cranes usually only stand on one leg…Okay, so maybe I’m not ready for prime time yet.)
That was a good one!
Elections seem a big thing lately as we are having ours here too. 😉 I love seeing all the residents enjoying themselves.
Yes, they are a big thing at the moment…and here for one more year! Things are going good for our friends, but I’m expecting a rush in early November. That shall be interesting 🙂
A splendid commentary illustrated by excellent photographs, a great pleasure to read.
Happy you liked the story, Susan. It was courtesy of the two Blue Herons.
I’m tired of politics already, but this is fun comic relief!
Glad it made you smile, Brad. Compared to us humans, things are handled quite well at the salt marsh 🙂
What a sweet little human enjoying the water there. 🙂 I so enjoyed your photos and account of the goings on in the salt marsh. Yes I’m sure you’re quite right. Mr. Mayor is a long term installation and won’t be ousted any time soon. Lovely rainbow pic, and your header is really stunning.
I loved the little human too. She was really enjoying herself, almost flying in the little puddles. The header photo was snapped a couple of nights ago after sunset. It was a magical moment, the last boats returning home in the after glow. And the Mayor says thanks for your vote of confidence, Sylvia 🙂
Love your exuberant little human! And Rosa!
That little human exhibited pure joy of living! And Rosa, of course, posed as soon as I lifted my camera.
Fun post, Tiny — and my favorite kind of family drama. 😀
Mine too! I think the dad tern eventually caught a fish, but many others started to chase him so I’m not sure who got to enjoy it at the end 🙂
Brilliant update Tiny!
Thanks Val!
Love the Pelican and the caption (this too will pass) 🙂
The Pelican and I have both found it to be true 🙂 Thanks David.
Another beautifully told story, of a very beautiful place, thanks so much Tiny, I do enjoy your story telling of the Salt Marsh adventures:-)
I also wanted to add what an excellent pic of the Grebe, we find they are quite difficult to get a really good shot of as they keep well away from humans.
Thank you! I’ve been at the salt marsh so much that I now attach some personality to all the permanent residents…and they tell all the stories, I just have to remember them 🙂 I agree with you that it’s extremely difficult to get a good shot of the Grebe, but yesterday morning I was standing quietly under some trees, and it flew into the deep part of the marsh without seeing me, I think. Have a beautiful weekend.
Tiny,only you can write like this, and take these wonderful photos too. Thank you!
Thank you Hien! Have a great weekend.
Super pack! I love it!
The power is in numbers for the little ones 🙂
What an AMAZING rainbow, a perfect adornment for your beautiful Salt Marsh. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 🙂
That rainbow started right at the park where salt marsh is, and ended in the water just south of the sailing center. I’ve never seen it like that before. Have a beautiful fall weekend, Joanne 🙂
What a lovely rainbow. 🙂 Great shots, as always.
Thank you Celestine. The rainbow was gorgeous, and huge 🙂
How clever to put these beautiful photos and the stories together, Tiny. I’m totally amazed… !! 🙂
Thank Amy! The birds tell so many stories when I visit them…can’t help but share 🙂
I love this post. I mean, I love all your posts, but this one today was great because of the political slant. The incumbent almost always has the advantage in Salt Marsh races, silly young GBH!
I am totally ‘shopping that Stanley pic. I wonder if I can find a hawaiian shirt to paste onto the pic… 😀
So happy you liked the avian politics playing out at the salt marsh. I bet Stanley would look great in a Hawaiian shirt, even more handsome 🙂
Ahhhhhhhh! ❤ ❤ Have a blessed weekend, Tiny. Just beautiful!
I’m happy you liked their story, Lorrie. Even politics is so innocent at the salt marsh 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend you too ❤
Hahaha!! If only the same could be true in the human world!! 🙂
If only 🙂
Thank you for the update. We get too little coverage of interesting local politics across the Atlantic.
Happy you liked the coverage from the salt marsh!
What a wonderful series of photos amazingly dramatised,dear Tiny!Delightful scenes with a wide range of beautiful birds and lots of drama!I so much liked the characters and the plot!Enjoy a brilliant weekend ~ Looking forward to more seaside adventures & rainbows 🙂 Doda xxx
Thank you Doda! The salt marsh is known for it’s lively characters and some drama now and then. I’ve known the permanent residents now for over two years, and can distinguish them from visiting birds. They all have their personalities, and it’ll be interesting to see what happens when migrating birds stop over there end of this month and early next month. Happy you came to visit! Tiny XX
Pleasure dear Tiny!Oh,then you’re a great birder!Lovely experience to share so many things with our beautiful feathered friends!Thank you so much for your generous response,it was such a pleasure to visit your blog!Doda xxx
Thank you for your kind comment! I wish you a wonderful weekend!!
The same to you 🙂 xxx
A beautiful time of year Tiny. I love the politics, pictures and stories of your land.
Thank you Karen. I have to say I like the salt marsh politics quite a bit more than what’s going on here with us humans 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend.
Ha I agree. 🙂 Have a great weekend too.
More fun in the neighborhood. About the terns: those are some seriously ruffled feathers.
The young terns, in particular, tend to “ruff” themselves up when they get into these intense “discussions”. And they can be quite loud too 🙂 Happy you came to take part in the fun, Susan.
Such fabulous photos and I love the narrative.
Thank you for your visit and kind comment Sue.
Another wonderful segment of life at the Salt Marsh! Happy weekend to you!
Thank Kathy! I wish the same to you!
Wonderful commentary of the life at the salt marsh one again Tiny ~ but what really had me smiling was your second shot of the ‘little human’ – she seems absolutely enthralled at what the marsh offers 🙂
That “little human” had wings of pure joy. It was a delight to observe her fully enjoying the moment 🙂 Thank you, Randall.
Absolutely amazing set of photos :)! Great combination, I love all but the last one is the best. Bye. Kamila
The pelican does have a wise and patient look about him. Love how Mama Sandy’s garden is coming along. Miss Rosa is still gorgeous!
I love the level of detail you get! Wow…
So true, politics everywhere. And gorgeous photos here:)