THE ANYWHERE RIVER

This could be anywhere, couldn't it? Well, almost anywhere. I heard there were egrets at the river today and rushed off to photograph them. Wild life in these parts is scarce. All animal life is scarce. I suffer from chipmunk, cattle, pig, deer, squirrel, chicken and bird envy every day of my life now.

The egrets were there. I hope they stick around because I did not get a decent picture of them today. They were where the river tumbles over rocks. The rocks have masses of tree branches caught up in them and the river is low. Messy pics. So this is down river and an ordinary, every day shot.

It is interesting that I could do this shot because not too long ago the river bank where I was standing was a mass of weeds and brambles. About ten years ago Lucca had a mayor who was keen on civic improvements. The land was cleared, smooth river rocks were used for paving in one area, so large, lumpy and bumpy Health and Safety wouldn't have it, but extremely attractive. Trees were planted and benches were set facing the river. A massive chess board of black and white marble was embedded in the new plaza. I have never seen it used. Maybe the mayor ran out of funds before he could buy the giant chessmen to go with it. There are regulars who come to feed the ducks and geese that hang out here but the pigeons have found out about the free meals and there is a huge flock of them now.

I did get a decent shot of this bird. I have never seen anything like it before. Perhaps a birder/twitcher can identify it. River Bird.

Update: I have been told that this is a common muscovy duck. Now I feel really silly.

Another update: This was taken just now, at 7 P.M. Central European Time. For cloud formation and sunset fans.Tuscan sunset.