Curt is Chicago native – but don’t hold that against him. After stops in Madison and California, he and his wife moved to Waukesha in 2004 to open their own downtown business.
He’s back.
Waukesha’s most eligible bachelor flew in last month and has taken up residency again near his favorite piece of downtown real estate, the Fox River.
He seems attached to the downtown scene. Summers in Waukesha have been a yearly repeat venue for him.
An avid fisherman, the rushing river and plentiful fishing are huge draws. He loves quiet nights and moonlit walks along the riverbanks, mostly to search out prime fishing locations.
His objective this summer is the same as years past; fish as much as possible and find himself a mate, who also enjoys fishing.
You may recognize him if you are strolling along the banks. He has a slender build, piercing eyes, and long nose, which all work together to compliment his distinguished style. He’s very handsome, ladies, if you’re into the slim look.
In describing his personality, one word comes to mind; shy. He doesn’t like large gatherings. So if you want outgoing and wild, he is not your type. As a matter of fact, when too many people begin to gather around and look at him, he will get fidgety and fly away.
That’s right, I said fly away.
What else would he do, take a bus? With a six-foot wingspan like his, you would fly away too.
Herons don’t like crowds.
That is why he prefers the night scene. He can wander the river in peace, and fish until his heart is content. It was along those banks that I first met him.
I saw him glide silently over my porch one night, two years ago. He checks for an open landing strip along the water and gracefully swoops in. Once settled, he shakes off the dust of the day and begins his hunt for dinner.
It’s really cool to watch.
He stalks silently along the riverbanks, in and out off the weeds and trees, and under the Clinton Street Bridge by Waukesha State Bank, occasionally pausing to make a strike at a passing fish. His patients usually pays off with a meal.
He’s alone now, but by summer’s end I will see him pass by with a mate. He likes ‘em tall and slender, a lot like himself. The two will finish the summer together and when the chilly autumn air begins to mix with the ending summer breeze, they will vanish to wherever it is they go.
My friend said the fact he comes back each year is a sign that the eco-system here is good. That makes sense (and that’s a real good thing), but I prefer to say he really likes Waukesha.
If you’re down this way in the evening, walk quietly along the west end of the river and you just might see him. Sometimes he’s in early, around seven PM or so, and sometimes he doesn’t get in until 10.
Just remember, he’s shy. Watch quietly and don’t try to talk to him, he doesn’t like that. If you have a good zoom lens, you may even get a photo. He has a very large “personal space” area, so it can be difficult to get close.
Herons are amazing creatures. Graceful, beautiful, cunning, and handsome, (in an Ichabod Crane sort of way), he’s a welcome addition to a Waukesha Summer.
