Birding with Socrates

 Birding at Callahan State Park in Framingham is always fun.  Birding at Callahan State Park with Socrates is a skill I've yet to master, however.  That's why I'm so proud of catching a few photos of a Great Blue Heron today.

Of course, Socrates is far and away the best dog in the universe.  (He's also so adorable that he attracts attention everywhere we go).  There is nothing he loves more than running through field and forest at top speed, chasing after rodents and looking for canine playmates around every corner.  Today he had a terrific time!

 Socrates made a new friend and truly had fun racing around with the pup.

He bounded in and out of the pond and did his best to get filthy dirty.  He did a good job of it, too!

In between breaking up some overly energetic entanglements with other dogs and screeching at Socrates not to jump on infants and toddlers, I managed to catch a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron hiding in the reeds.  Even this photo is quite an accomplishment considering the small lens I was carrying and the chaos all around me!

When Socrates came too close, the Great Blue Heron took off across the pond.  He was gorgeous!

Even his reflection was lovely in the afternoon sun.

The little dog pond that is usually such a madhouse suddenly became a vision of loveliness.

Despite the mud and the mishaps, Socrates and I had a wonderful day!