Great Blue Heron at Great Meadows NWR

I haven't visited Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge all summer, so it was high time to get over there.  An evening hike was the perfect solution.

 Great Blue Heron

 Toads were hopping in the woods

 Ducks were gathering in one of the channels.

 Lotus blossom

 The lotus seed pod

 and another that is still green

Cardinal flowers brightened the opposite river bank.

Gorgeous!