Let me put things in context. I started out early on 8/16 making the usual stops along Bainbridge Blvd. I continued south across Veterans Bridge and headed toward Inland Rd. I was making the circuit I often make. I spent a fair amount of time on Inland, much of it waiting and watching. I didn't mind, though. The sun was up, the tide was low, and I was hopeful. Always hopeful.

I said these words in a previous blog: 'Birds are now settling in to their nest-building, egg-laying, and brood-raising responsibilities.' By now, the beginning of August, most of those brood members have left the nest, and are on their own (more or less), though some certainly remain. (Some species have multiple broods. And some are late breeders.)

That's the title of an acclaimed memoir by author Chris Offutt, and the title of blog #13. You'll see why shortly. But first, a photo of the same river once, with a female Mallard aloft just above it.