Patiently waiting. Staring over the swamp.

The prime nesting spots are being claimed, but not all have mating pairs. This tree is the hard luck tree. A mate has waited here for an entire season once, young seemed to not survive very well.

I have watched her raise up and call every time another Great Blue passes by. None have stopped so far.

Eventually a mate should be found. There is danger though if it takes too long.

The Great Egrets will arrive and build nests right below her. When they arrive the battles will start. People see the beautiful white birds, but they are also the most aggressive and dangerous resident out here.
With luck we can document a happy breeding season with this bird.
so beautiful that hurts my soul
She is stunning. Eventually last years mate, or a new one will find her.