Big Birds, Part One

I confess -- and you probably know -- I am a sucker for Big Birds. I love water birds with their long legs and patient fishing strategies. You've seen Harry the Heron here often, and you'll see him again. But today, a look at Ellie the Egret.

Pretty flashy, isn't she? When she spreads her wings, I think of an elegant angel -- with a big yellow nose!

I have seen egrets at the Ditch before but not often and rarely early in the summer. Ellie showed up in September and I first spotted her fishing.

She's incredibly patient, like Harry. Waiting, watching.

Then going for it.

And sometimes, she misses; sometimes she gets the big prize!

But Ellie is at her best when she spreads her wings.

At times, the look is a little awkward.

Or maybe it's the view! Certainly the take-off has a tip-toe kind of feel.

And sometimes it seems a bit clumsy, yet it always ends up gracefully.

But when it's good, it's very good.

Very, very good.

I'll miss her when she leaves for good.

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