Herons are not always graceful

[kayre]

I saw this heron along the island channel. On overcast days, or in shadows, they really do look intensely blue.



He flew away from me, but I was delighted to see him gliding in to land on the sandbar at the east end of the island. I set up to take a pic or two as he landed-- then I heard a croak, just as I snapped the pic.



(He wasn't hurt, just trying to turn on a dime to come back at his rival.)

".... and stay out!"



The victor was nervous about me, and flew away a moment later. I caught this pic just as he's lifting his wings for a second downsweep, taking off.



Possibly the best heron-in-flight pic I've taken yet.