The fish arrived one week ago (yesterday). And on the first week anniversary, one of the gals began so spawn.

We were told that it’s the time of year for spawning, but getting to watch it unfold was truly amazing.

There was one very unhappy visitor. Remember the heron and our fake egret decoy from the post yesterday? Well that heron had a fit as our fake egret was guarding all the commotion. So the heron landed in the neighbor’s backyard, once again. This time he was HONKING, loud! I take it he was mad that he couldn’t enjoy fish for breakfast.

While sitting at my desk (windows open) I could not only hear the mad heron, I could hear the splashing and commotion from the fish.

I’m glad I thought to grab the camera to shoot a few images.

It’s times like this that remind me of the circle of life.

And how blessed I am to be a part of God’s beautiful creation.

I would like to call this the love dance.

It’s really cool to watch the males swim with the female to fertilize the eggs as they fall.

I also did some reading up and found that the female can lay from 500 to 1,000 eggs. I would have never guessed. But I am aware that they do eat the eggs. And I’m aware that the babies can hatch anywhere from 3 – 5 days.

So, I’ll sit and count the days. And watch and wait and wait and watch, and sit on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if any babies will make it. I’m hoping for at least one little baby, just one. Time will tell.

Guess who the hubs spied at our house again this morning?

I really wish we didn’t have to worry so much about trouble lurking.

But it’s yet another reminder of the circle of life. It’s nature, it’s what big birds do.

So we’ll do our best to protect our babies while understanding these guys are here doing what they do in the circle of life. And hope they find food elsewhere to keep them strong, beautiful and a part of our beautiful circle of life.

As of this evening, we still have 10 fish!

To be continued…I’m sure.

Blessings – Debbie