The Great Blue Heron in flight evokes shadowy spirits.
Image info: Nikon D-180; Nikkor 200-400mm, f/4 zoom lens at 380mm; f/4; 1/3200 sec.; ISO 200.
It flies silently on big wings that bend and flow with cape-like flexibility; its long neck and prehistoric head are hooked and tucked in flight; its lengthy legs trail straight and stiff like a flying broom; its unblinking yellow eyes stare through us.
Yet, perhaps strangely, many of us welcome the bird as a beautiful sight. (Brooklin, Maine)