Great Blue Heron

This Great Blue Heron has been coming back to the same pond for many years.  A couple of years ago the humans who oversee the maintenance of the pond decided to “improve it” by cutting all the weeds around it, lining the shore with gravel, and updating the drainage.  Almost immediately, the herons decided the pond was not such a good place to hang out; too many humans and not enough cover.  Finally, now that it’s August and the weeds are much taller around the pond, the herons are beginning to come back.  This old guy seemed to know me and knew I was not a threat.  He let me walk all the way down the trail within 30 yards of his position and he did not move; not even a hint of movement suggesting I was getting too close.  Most herons would have flown.  It was one of those times when you feel one with the universe; thanks to a Great Blue Heron.