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Walk With Me

Take a walk with me along the Fox River in Batavia, Illinois. We’re sure to find interesting plants, birds, and waterways.

*

Lily pods minus the lilies.

Duck ducking in duck weed.

Male goldfinch striking a pose.

Cranberry bush–but I’m not certain these are edible.

Egret in its pure form.

Pond-slider turtle looking for you.

Blue Heron hiding in the weeds.

Goldenrod–sure sign of fall.

Elderberry–good for what ails you.

Raven–“Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!” Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.” (from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.)

Cormorants sunning themselves in the middle of the river.

The dam, where wildlife can always be found.

Boneset–an important food source for pollinators.

Dogwood fruit, also called drupes.

Bald Cyprus pine cones are green but will turn purple and brown as they mature to release seeds.

Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun.

Zinnias–bright and bold

Bull dog–mascot of Batavia

Peace bridge–a fine blessing to end our walk

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

*Have you visited my website? There you will find all of my books and some information about me.

Responses to “Walk With Me”

  1. Looking for the Light

    What a great place to spend time with mother nature in a calming environment.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is a very calm and safe area. I’d like to walk the wooded areas around the river, but I won’t do that alone. Thank you, Melinda.

  2. Awakening Wonders

    Your images are proof that beauty and hope exist everywhere! Peace be with you!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are right about that, Mary. Thank you.

  3. Anonymous

    Loved this walk along the Fox River!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed the walk.

  4. arlene

    Beautiful captures Mary. Lovely place.😘

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Arlene. I’d love to see the wildlife around you.

  5. lenny unencumbered

    Stunning!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lenny. Have the best day.

  6. Phil

    Such a beautiful walk with so much to see, dear Mary ~ thanks for sharing! 🤗

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Phil. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

  7. Penn,…

    It was wonderful taking a walk with you, Mary, … with so much to see we were spoilt for choice, …💙

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Penn. Wouldn’t it be fun to really walk together?

      1. Penn,…

        Yes, it would Mary, … I would really love that, to actually view with my own eyes, standing there with you, or shall I say walking along with you?,… it would be marvellous., …💙

  8. Carol Balawyder

    Such a lovely walk and fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing them, Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Carol. I appreciate you checking out this post.

  9. Herald Staff

    Wow. A walk with you really is an opening to nature. Fantastic photos!

    –Scott

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Scott. I’m excited when I spot a bird or special plant.

  10. Neal Saye

    Wow, Mary, that walk was FILLED with natural beauty!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Neal. Do you see goldfinch near you? I love the bright birds.

      1. Neal Saye

        Yes, occasionally. They are gorgeous.

  11. Suzette Benjamin

    Thank you Mary for the wonderful nature tour of the Fox River. Great photos all and I love the quote from Edgar Allan Poe.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting, Suzette. I’m happy you enjoyed the photos and quote.

      1. Suzette Benjamin

        You are most welcome Mary. Have a lovely day!

  12. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    What an amazing album of stuffing shots! Don’t know which one is my favorite!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dorothy. That’s great to hear.

  13. vermavkv

    This is a wonderfully immersive and picturesque walk along the Fox River, Mary. 🌿🕊️ Your writing blends the intimacy of a nature journal with the charm of a guided tour, where each plant and creature becomes a character with its own story. The way you capture details—the egret in its pure form, the goldfinch striking a pose, the Raven echoing Poe—turns the simple act of walking into a poetic, almost meditative experience.

    I especially admire how you weave in seasonal markers—goldenrod, elderberry, and the maturing cones of the Bald Cypress—reminding us of nature’s cycles and transitions. The inclusion of Batavia’s mascot and the Peace Bridge beautifully ties the walk back to community, grounding the natural wonder in a sense of place and belonging.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Wow! Thank you, Vijay. I appreciate all that positive feedback. All the best to you.

  14. Violet Lentz

    What a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It sure was a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon, Violet, like a mini-vacation.

  15. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Mary, I enjoyed joining you on a walk along the Fox River in Batavia 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend. I’d love to really walk with you. Nature is so healing, isn’t it?

      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        It sure is, Mary. It keeps me sane and grounded 🙂

  16. Michael Watson PhD

    I love this!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, kindly, Michael.

  17. kagould17

    I really enjoyed walking with you Mary. A beautiful path lined with beautiful sights. I enjoyed the egret and finch photos, something I seldom see here. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s interesting, Allan. I’m sorry you don’t see many finch. They’re perfectly lovely. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  18. Michael Sammut

    Fantastic place and awesome photos 👍👍

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michael. You see the most birds. I’m jealous!

      1. Michael Sammut

        😁 I try my best, but believe me there are many who see much more.

  19. Eternity

    I love birds; thanks for showing such nice pics.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So do I! I love all nature. Thank you for commenting.

      1. Eternity

        You are very welcome.

  20. philsblog01

    Beautiful! America has such beautiful rivers!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We really do, Phil. Have a great weekend.

      1. philsblog01

        Thanks Mary you too!

  21. Sascha Darlington

    What a wonderful set of pictures!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and welcome to Midwest Mary. I appreciate your presence here.

  22. mjeanpike

    Thank you for a lovely walk 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very welcome, M.Jean.

  23. Monkey’s Tale

    A beautiful walk Mary! I love the goldfinch. Maggie

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maggie. The goldfinch is my favorite, too.

  24. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Amazing photos Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind words, Ronit.

  25. Nancy Homlitas

    Thanks for taking me along on your nature walk, Mary. The images are beautiful. The goldfinch is particularly striking. 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re always welcome to join me on a walk, my friend. We love our bright birds, don’t we, Nancy?

      1. Nancy Homlitas

        My little grandchildren love birds. They have a collection of stuffed birds that make the actual bird call when squeezed. They can even identify birds now.

        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I love this, Nancy! I could use those stuffed birds.

          1. Nancy Homlitas

            They buy the stuffed birds at Nature Centers in parks. It’s a wonderful educational toy.

  26. Edward Ortiz

    Beautiful walk. Thank you for taking us along, Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for joining me, Edward. Happy weekend.

      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome, and happy weekend, my friend.

  27. Escribir Y Sanar

    Stunning 🤩☀️💐

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Madelaine.

  28. Mid-Life Mama

    What a lovely array of color in your images! A walk in nature clears the heart and mind.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      How about that! Those nature walks are medicinal. I appreciate you reading and commenting.

  29. Michele Lee

    Wonderful and soothing to walk with you. Incredible beauty. Thank you, Mary. 🕊️

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Michele. Have a wonderful weekend.

      1. Michele Lee

        You’re very welcome, Mary. You, too! 🦋🙏🏻

  30. gc1963

    Beautiful pics

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Geeta.

  31. Carolina Cuisine Network

    What a lovely trip and photos! My family enjoys visiting Illinois and the southern wine region also. Happy travels

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I don’t know about the southern wine region. How is the wine?

  32. Garden Bliss

    Such a lush and abundant waterway and such a lovely walk with you dear Mary. 😊

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. I appreciate you taking the time to join me, my friend.

  33. johnlmalone

    O what a splendid walk you took us on ; thank you, Mary 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, John. Thank you for joining me.

  34. Anonymous

    Some nice finds in Batavia, Mary. I always enjoy visiting there. Thanks for sharing these pictures.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy you liked the photos. Have a great weekend.

  35. Anonymous

    Beautiful pictures as always. Much needed in the midst of all the ugliness and evil that we are dealing with lately.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Keep your chin up. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  36. Debbie D.

    Thanks for sharing your nature walk! Such a lovely area. 😍

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Debbie. Good to see you.

  37. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Good read…

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

  38. Mags Win

    Beautiful photos of nature.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, Mags. Happy Friday to you.

  39. Lauren Scott, Author

    What a beautiful walk, Mary. I love the turtle, zinnias, and the bridge. Gorgeous photos!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Don’t you think that zinnias are underrated, Lauren? They’re so bold. Thank you for joining me.

      1. Lauren Scott, Author

        I’m honestly not sure, Mary, because I’m not the gardener like you. But these are gorgeous! You’re welcome!

  40. PradP

    I enjoyed the walk Mary , full of natural beauties….flowers, goldfinch & Egret..

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy you enjoyed the walk, Prad. It’s always a pleasure to see you.

  41. Praveen Yadav

    WOW, after reading your post, I felt as if I too had gone for a walk with you. And I got to see such beautiful scenes. You have shown every living creature of nature, even every flower, very well. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear Marry.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, Praveen. You are very sweet. Thank you for your kind words, and I’m happy you joined me.

      1. Praveen Yadav

        Your posts are like perfume whose fragrance has spread everywhere. When I read your posts, it feels as if you have written all these posts for me. I feel a sense of belonging in these posts.

        1. Mary K. Doyle

          That is the greatest compliment. I am humbled and thankful for your kind words, Praveen.

          1. Praveen Yadav

            Your thoughts are wonderful. I enjoy reading posts from you. I have learned a lot from your posts.

  42. Samiran Mandal

    Nice place 😃

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Samiran.

  43. Joshi M

    Stunning captures, truly showcasing the charm of of a nature walk.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s very kind of you to say, Joshi. Thank you.

  44. Darryl B

    What great pix! My takeaway was that so many people would rush by all this, texting or talking, and miss everything. But just turn off the phone for a while, quiet the jumbled thoughts in the brain, and there’s a marvelous assortment of plants, animals, and scenery that’s there for anyone to enjoy. Great travelogue along the river, have to check it out if I’m ever in Batavia! 😎

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Exactly, Darryl. We’re fortunate to have public parks, rivers, and forests to escape to for even an hour. Have a fabulous weekend.

  45. Jacqui Murray

    That was quite a walk. I wouldn’t have thought all that luscious nature would be along one river.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s amazing what we notice if we take the time to look. Thank you for joining me, Jacqui.

  46. Sheryl

    Beautiful photos – I enjoyed the virtual walk along the Fox River.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sheryl. It’s great to see you here.

  47. Stephanie

    A needed cleansing. Beautiful photos, Mary. ❤

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Nature sure is therapeutic, isn’t it, Stephanie? Thank you.

      1. Stephanie

        Incredibly, Mary. Your eye captures and shares it so nicely.

  48. Ana Daksina

    Love the Peace Bridge!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      How about that, Ana? I love the bridge, as well.

  49. P. J. Gudka

    What a lovely place, so much nature to admire and love the message on the bridge.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. We are blessed when we have natural beauty around us.

      1. P. J. Gudka

        So true and you’re most welcome.

  50. Dawn Pisturino

    I loved taking this walk with you!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for joining me, Dawn. Hugs to you.

  51. Max Muhammad

    walking with you is fresh like water and refreshing

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are a sweetheart, Mister Max.

  52. Hayley Osner

    What a lovely walk—thank you for taking us along the Fox River with you.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Haley. So good to see you here.

      1. Hayley Osner

        Always a joy to connect here.

  53. LaDonna Remy

    That was a beautiful walk, Mary. You live in a lovely place. ❤️

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, LaDonna. I’m blessed to have natural settings around me.

  54. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Engaging

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you very much.

  55. gustavo_horta

    Lindas fotos.

    Elas até chegam a nos trazer esperança de paz e felicidade para todos. Muitos ainda estão no truste caminho da guerra.

    Recebo as boas energias que você nos envia com tanto carinho, generosidade e amor.

    Recebo, sinto e retribuo.

    Muito bom dia prá você!!
    Boa semana!! Receba as bênçãos universais, abundantes, permanentes e prá todos nós!

    Abraço grande e fraterno. Carinhos!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Que maravilha ouvir isso, Gustavo. Espero fazer os leitores sorrirem, mesmo que por um minuto. Beijos para você, meu amigo.

  56. Willie Torres Jr.

    Wow, how have I never been here? It reminds me a little of St. Charles by the river dam. 🌊

    Beautiful pictures, Mary… I’m sure you had a wonderful time.

    Thanks for sharing the beauty of our state.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Willie, do you live near the Fox River? There are so many lovely spots all along the river. Have the best day, my friend.

      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        ehh, I’m about 45 minutes from there.

        God’s Continued Blessings to you…

  57. katiesencouragementforyou

    So lovely!! Thanks for the walk!! 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Katie. Thank you for joining me.

  58. Amy

    What a beautiful place for walk! Thank you for taking us there.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very welcome, Amy. I appreciate your presence here.

  59. Hazel

    The turtle got me.😍 Let it be peace on Earth. I love this post walking with you virtually, Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And I enjoy your company, sweet Hazel.

      1. Hazel

        Thank you so much, Mary. Stay amazing!

  60. worldphoto12

    BUONA SERATA

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Buon fine settimana.

      1. worldphoto12

        GRAZIE MILLE, ALTRETTANTO

  61. mel23h

    Ok, you are I are neighbors. Small world… I live a town over.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Howdy Neighbor! We can walk together. Thank you for connecting.

      1. mel23h

        We can 😊. No problem. I wouldn’t have know if I didn’t read your post.

  62. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Impressive

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

  63. GraceoftheSun

    Amazing walk, beautiful. 💕

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m glad you enjoyed the walk, Grace.

      1. GraceoftheSun

        I sure did.💕

  64. K. Ravindra

    So much natural beauty here, and the bridge message adds a lovely touch.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, K. Ravindra. I love that sign, and I’m happy you do too.

  65. Rebecca Cuningham

    Great bird shots. They take patience to capture.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rebecca. I love to patiently watch them.

  66. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    My goodness! What beautiful pictures of flora and fauna:)

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks for walking with me, Kimberly.

      1. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

        🙂

  67. Vincenza63

    Wonderful post, stunning pictures ❤

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

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