This is the time Great Blue Heron pairs bond. When either returns to the nest they are greeted by the other. At times they seem to hug.

We see many other species pair, bond, and raise young here. None have the quality and interaction of the Great Blues.

Once young hatch the rules change. Food must be hunted, and very young ones protected. What was once bonding now turns into loud disagreements.

I try to not project any human traits on the animals out there. It’s wild and violent. But it can be really hard when working with the Herons.

If you visit here over time you will see what I mean. There should be many more images like this.