My sun dance on the widow’s walk atop the Pierce House was a success. It was a typical beautiful June Saturday in about 2005 with clear blue skies — perfect for an outdoor wedding. With the wedding ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m., caterers arrived at 3:00 to begin the setup, including 150 chairs under the willows facing Pierce Pond. Family and guests started arriving at 4, and by 4:30, with the parking lot in overflow mode, guests began congregating in the ceremony area.

And that’s when Ralph the heron arrived. Ralph was a daily visitor thanks to the Recreation Department’s practice at the time of stocking the pond with fish. He swooped in, with oohs and aahs of guests mesmerized by his six-foot wingspan, to begin his dinner.

But at just as the processional about to begin, the maid of honor raced into the kitchen screaming, “Help — the bird is going down!” Racing outside, we saw Ralph trying but failing to fly, screaming for his life, with 150 guests huddled in silence watching. It appeared he was caught in the weeds, but closer inspection by Lincoln Police Officer Bob Gallo, revealed that the bird’s leg was in the grip of the large male turtle. Someone quickly found a good-size rock, and repeated blows to the turtle’s back finally freed Ralph. Ralph was not able to fly, but he did manage to walk to the woods next to the parking lot. A vet came and tucked the wounded bird under her arm, driving away to the cheers of guests and staff.

The ceremony began promptly at 6 p.m. — another successful wedding. (Postscript: Ralph recovered and returned the following Wednesday to resume his daily feasts.)

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