Constitution Gardens Pond

Yesterday we took a ride in to town. The best place to park is at the Tidal Basin - no one seems to know about it and you can walk in any direction from there. My husband loves the Constitution Gardens Park. No one seems to know about that either. It site is right past the WWII Memorial and along Constitution Avenue. People tend to walk by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pond instead. A few weeks back the park service removed most of the plants from the pond which took away the favorite spot of the heron that visits regularly. Something is growing back, but it’s no where near what it used to be. But as soon as we saw the “island” in the middle of the pond our friend the heron was sitting near it where no one could get at him. It’s also a great view of the Washington Monument from there. To break up the blue and green scenery there were a few golden day lilies blooming in the beautiful sunny weather. It’s always a rather leisurely walk in the middle of the concrete jungle. And every season has its own charm. 

Constitution Gardens Heron

When we first saw him there earlier in the summer we were really excited. The big blue heron sitting in the island in the constitution garden pond took us by surprise. There he was sitting there with the Washington Monument behind him. I thought it was a one of a kind affair. These were the times I wish I had a telephoto lens! Then we walked through the serene area again mid summer and he was there. This past week I needed to get a photo for the challenge this week. I wasn’t thinking about him - but more about the pond and whatever reflected in it. As we were walking the usual path we were again surprised - but not so much this time - to see him sitting on the opposite side. There he was with the ducks sitting under the willow. So we got up as close as we could. I think he’s used to people gawking at him as he is a sight to see. As he reached the edge of the island he took off to get as far away from us as possible. I took continuous photos as he flew hoping to get something meaningful. I didn’t. But it was wonderful to see him all the same. And on our way out of the gardens he took his usual place among the greens.

 

Constitution Gardens and Birds

We have found a new spot for morning walks. When we lived on Capitol Hill we primarily spent a lot of time around the Capitol grounds and the national mall. Since moving to northern Virginia we drive in to town at least once a week for a morning walk, but also to take photos for the weekly challenge. Lately we have found ourselves near the Lincoln memorial. We try to find a parking space along the river in west Potomac park. The last couple of times have taken us to the other side of the Lincoln memorial reflecting pond along constitution avenue rather than our familiar independence avenue. Located there is constitution park - it has a good sized pond in between the Washington monument and the Lincoln memorial. For whatever reason the birds seemed to be quite jittery - more than usual. And wouldn’t you know there was a huge hawk that appeared and even shared the tree limbs with a bunch of crows. It’s not unusual to see birds of prey in the urban jungle. There is also the odd person here and there - this time an older gentleman in what looked like pajamas. On the way back we passed by the Vietnam memorial and then along the path to the Lincoln memorial. It’s always a lovely time to stroll through these well known landmarks. My husband really misses living in the city. This is the next best thing. 

The Capitol Reflecting Duck Pool

When we lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years I always liked observing the ducks in all the pools and fountains. Today was a bit overcast and cool. So rather than walk in the park or our neighborhood today in northern Virginia, we drove down to our old neighborhood and walked our morning walk in our old footsteps. We parked in our Capitol Hill neighborhood and were careful not to park in a resident only space. We landed in front of our son’s rowhouse that still looks simply lovely. Then we headed out to the Capitol and the reflecting pond. Because there is hardly anyone out and about, the ducks hardly moved when they saw us coming. Usually they are interested in food and I don’t think they’ve been getting the attention that they are used to. They were lined up in larger numbers than I remember. The duck ramp was not being used but sits at the corner of the pool. Every so many bird a pigeon found itself in good company. Maybe it was the time of the day but I have a feeling all day feels like nap time these days. After several rides in to town over the last six months, this was the first walk we have had in a long time. It felt good, but nothing like it used to be. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFHL_3BvVg/

Neighborhood Walk

While it is still under 90 degrees but over 80 with high humidity we choose to take our morning walk under the shady sidewalks in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It just gets too hot to amble on the sun filled concrete sidewalks along the Smithsonian buildings and the National Mall. Union Station has air conditioning, but it’s a bit stifling. But is the best option during the summer months. It beats getting in the car and driving to the mall in Tyson’s. So yesterday we found some nice streets to pass through. It’s interesting to see what had changed from one year to the next. Homeowners choose to decorate their garden spaces with little trinkets and do dads. We always wonder what happens to all the rain water that inevitably washes down all the below ground level apartments. Do you really think all those drains work?! And of course there are urban vegetable gardens everywhere. We really liked the cucumber vines climbing up the wire fence. That’s the method we use on our patio garden - you can spot those cucumbers a lot easier and it keeps them off the ground. And some of the fish ponds are nicely done. The sound of the gurgling water is peaceful. Invariably one does run across art work of all kinds. The old fire or police alarms along the street get transformed. And of course there are the many small parks that serve as the neighborhood green spaces. There is something very pleasant about these promenades. It takes your mind off the heat. 

Fish Survived the Deep Freeze

When our son and his family lived down the street from us in a lovely townhouse, they installed a small fish pond in the front yard. You really didn’t notice it from the street - but it became a matter of conversation when you reached the front door. We always wondered what happened to the fish in the winter. They just seemed to disappear to the bottom of the pond until spring came around. And most, if not all of them, reappeared. Well, we can’t check out that fish pond any more because our family hasn’t lived there for the last few years and it would be a bit awkward to see what’s going on. We were just interested to see the impact of the brutal bone chilling temps of the last few weeks on the poor fish. Well, today we found out. We took our morning walk towards Eastern Market followed by breakfast at Ted’s Bulletin. There is a little fish pond on the corner. There happened to be a bird taking a sip of water in the pond. And below the cracked ice were several gold fish huddled along the edge. Being almost fifty degrees they probably felt safe enough to emerge from the depths of the deep freeze. So it just goes to show you how sturdy and hardy these critters are. Amazing!

Feathered Friends at the Enchanted Pond

Whenever we visit Florida my husband always has to make a visit to see his favorite place. It is a few blocks from the house where I grew up. We used to take our bamboo fishing rods and bread balls there in search of fish, but were usually disappointed. And when we did catch something, we threw it back immediately. Now the place is filled with all kinds of birds. And there is an island in the center where they can escape. I think by now we have been to the pond every season and time of the day. On this visit we arrived earlier in the morning and the water fowl were just waking up. It was quieter than usual. There was much less enthusiasm from the long beaked white birds searching for food. I think they have our number because they always come up empty handed around us. There is something peaceful about the place as it is now a sanctuary. In fact I don't think you are suppposed to give the birds anything to eat, but they don't know that. So we drove around the pond a couple of times and checked out as much as we could. All the neighbors who live there ignore it all completely. I am certain we will visit there again. It's just something you don't want to miss.