The “Polar Vortex” came through the Chattanooga area in mid-July, giving us a few days respite from the muggy heat that usually oppresses us in July and August. It would have been horrible to waste that time indoors, so my wife and I spent a little bit of time on Chattanooga’s Tennessee River Walk at one of our favorite spots, the pond at Curtain Pole Road. We started out chasing dragonflies, but soon that turned into much more.

Dragonfly at Curtain Pole Pond – This is a composite of two photos of a single dragonfly – one on the approach; the other upon landing

We were soon joined by a Green Heron – there were three or four on the pond that we enjoyed watching for quite some time. Here is the launch sequence we were privileged to share:

Green Heron preparing for takeoff

Green Heron – Launched

Green Heron – In Flight

We also enjoyed watching the Green Heron stabbing at some dragonflies or other flying insects, as well as the more normal stalking of a critter in the water. Perhaps amongst their targets was this frog, who fit right into the color of the duckweed covering most of the water.

Frog on a Log

Down at the far end of the pond a family (or a flock…) of Canada Geese enjoyed an outing on the pond.

Canada Geese in a Row

But the most excitement for the day started with a rustling in the grass along the water’s edge, and a glimpse of brown fur.

A glimpse of brown fur in the rustling grass.

I followed the rustling grass to a point where the critter might expose itself crossing a downed tree.

Brown Fur crossing a log

The long, sleek critter move too quickly for me to get a clear shot there, but a bit further along the bank the grass thinned out and I waited…

The animal stopped for a few seconds and looked in my direction. Success! Identified as an American Mink, Neovison vison!

All in all, a good day.