This is what happens when you make the right choice. Same swamp as the previous article on Herons. This was the next morning and further down the swamp.

I admit to missing the first part of this stick hunt. I was using a monopod to save my arms and back. This is about waiting.

Anyway, the bird had options to jump from the nest and go left, or right. Of course he went straight, and straight to me. Monopods are ‘clumsy’ when the bird is diving at you.

He actually veered at the last minute and landed 30 feet away (9 meters). The female was poking at him to get sticks. He had other ideas. Sticks first. So here we were, looking for nest sticks.

Below is the nest and herons. She is taking control.

Now that I knew his preferred flight path I was ready for additional trips. They always have a plan for flights, sticks or otherwise. Every year they start with a plan and usually stick to it until the young are gone.