Early sun disappeared, reappeared

At 7am, it was shining on the clouds, now just clouds.

I went out to pick a gardenia and startled a juvenile night heron which was in the grass near the creek.  It only flew as far as the dock.  A cicada was floating in the pool.  The parsley is mostly bolted.

It cleared a little before noon and has been sunny since.  I think I saw a male hummer at the feeder.  An osprey circled over the water.  Lots of different butterflies flitted around.  It seems like butterflies dominate August where dragonflies were the main event in July.

Surprise!  This hummer is not a ruby throat!  This is the first rufous hummingbird I've seen in Virginia, though I know others have, especially in winter.  

After the rufous flew off, a ruby throat (female or juvenile) came and fed.  Then the rufous returned for more.  After a bit, two hummers showed up and one escorted the other off, but I couldn't make out what species each was.  The rufous is supposed to be slightly bigger.

At twilight I looked out and discovered something large had been in the pool.  The water was still sloshing so I didn't miss it by much.  Much of both patio levels was wet.  I suspect the dog up the street.  Otherwise we have a bear!