On August 9 there didn’t seem to be a lot going on. But it was reassuring to see the Great Blue Heron in a likely spot opposite the Hofmann Tower. The previous high water level had covered the rocky island in greenery.

The Rock Pigeons were doing their flight drills. They seem to be roosting under the Joliet Avenue bridge where it’s cooler than sitting on top of the Hofmann Tower.

A few Canada Geese and Mallards were hanging out on the rocks.

I started walking the paved trail along the river and saw a young House Sparrow.

There was not much else until I reached the swinging bridge. There, I saw another Great Blue Heron bathing in the shallow water.

I barely spotted a Warbling Vireo.

And then, as I stood on the bridge, an Osprey started flying over the river.

As I took photos, the Osprey saw me and decided to play with me by flying overhead.

With the Osprey gone, I looked over toward the Great Blue Heron again. The water was barely knee-deep.

In Riverside Lawn, insects were enjoying the sunshine.

A sole Monarch Butterfly captured my attention by being extremely cooperative.

A Blue Dasher Dragonfly also waited patiently to be photographed.

And then, I obliged a Blue-frojnted Dancer damselfly for good measure. They always seem to be begging for attention.

A fawn appeared briefly.

The last couple days, fall migrants have begun to show up here and there. I’ve been to a couple different places as well. Anything could happen here.