Wildlife at Home, the Wetlands and Lakeside Park

A dark, wet morning with just enough light for my pocket-sized Powershot to take a photo of the night heron. Perched in the shade as it watched over the fish and other goings-on at Lakeside Park: Far in the distance, I caught sight of the beaver heading for its den where it would rest the day away. It seemed different though, this time. The wake that it was leaving behind was much larger than normal, and it wasn't until it came closer that I understood why. The beaver had been foraging: It dragged its food along with it and then took it underwater, disappearing without a trace. I waited at my usual vantage point and then waited a little more before I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye. Much to my surprise, a little raccoon was walking along the grassy path toward me. It hadn't seen me, not until I turned my head and then it paused, unsure of what it should do in that situation. After a moment or two of thought, it took to the tree that it had just wal