As I approached the pond today, two blue herons startled into flight. One left the pond, the other alighted on a shore. As I walked the path and came closer, the remaining bird flew across the pond to the island. (As always, I encourage you to enlarge these photos by clicking on them.)

In a matter of seconds, it had landed on the island shore, at precisely the place a heron frequented last year. This makes me wonder if it’s the same bird.

Later, as I rounded to the other side of the pond, and the heron had walked to another side of the island, again I startled it.

As you view the pictures, try to imagine the bird’s respective size to its environment. As it alights on the island,above, I think you can see its relational size to the trees along the shore. Also, as it takes its final flight from the pond, you will see a person on the other shore. Try to imagine the amount of air space this bird occupies at it passes midway between that person and me. It is a beautiful sight, seeing this bird’s commanding presence.

After leaving the pond, it made two ‘fly-overs’ – reminding me of the showmanship of jet fighter pilots in air shows. The photo below may take a bit of time to load if you click it, but, the shape of this bird in flight makes me think how nature must influence aircraft design.