Timing was right for this series. It didn’t hurt that the bird signals with a bent knee every time he takes off.

Most Herons will lean forward with a slight bend to their knee at take off. This male signals every time.

By watching where the bird was gathering nest material I could stand and (with luck) catch the signal and follow the flight. That’s the theory anyway.

The images below follow the full take off as he left to find branches.

Click, or double tap, any image to view the full size image gallery.

Jumping From The Nest, Great Blue Heron – click to enlarge

Jumping From The Nest, Great Blue Heron – click to enlarge

Jumping From The Nest, Great Blue Heron – click to enlarge

Jumping From The Nest, Great Blue Heron – click to enlarge

Jumping From The Nest, Great Blue Heron – click to enlarge

Jumping From The Nest, Great Blue Heron – click to enlarge