Most of the old rail fence in Middleton Place’s barnyard has been replaced, time having taken a toll on its integrity. This last section made a nice backdrop for a resting Great Blue Heron a few weeks ago.

He didn’t move as I worked my way along the path behind him, the late afternoon sun bathing him in light.

He did lift his head as a few mallards jumped into the pond as his feet, then he hunkered right back down.