Parked on the bridge over the Illinois River

So I delivered in El Paso, IL this morning and then found a little something (thank you Sherri - see, you got your name in my blog) going to a bridge repair on IL route 106 over the Illinois River 70 miles north of St. Louis. Everyone's gone so it's just me and the wildlife until 7 am.

Don't tell anyone but I walked around the barricade and about 400 yards out to where the main section of bridge crosses the river. This is a draw bridge (who operates this thing?) and it is in the 'up' position. I stood with my toes dangling over the edge - a VERY erie feeling - as the water rushes south to join the Mississippi. The main river channel is about 150 yards wide here but there is a long stretch, at least on this side, from the man-made levy out to the channel.

It's really quite spectacular parked on the top of the levy. To the east is flat farmland. To the west is swamp and trees and, in the distance, the sun setting. I wish I knew my birds better because there are two separate flocks of what I thought were purple martins but their bellies are tan in color and their bills are also light. Perhaps starlings? But they are solid colored, not speckled. Whatever they are, they are magnificent to watch - and hear - as they buzz about. They were so close at times I was afraid they might accidentally hit me. Unfortunately my $100 camera can't catch them.

I can hear a woodpecker hammering away somewhere close. Ducks, Red Wing Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Cardinals and even a Hawk to mention just a few. "SLAP" and mosquitoes!

I'm looking at a small load going from Alton (60 miles south) into Kentucky. If the money is worthwhile I will do that. Either way, I'll end up near Rend Lake for the holiday weekend. I can't believe this weather. I may need a jacket in the morning!