Absolutely stunning pictures and beautiful birds. We were driving on a narrow winding road in an Oregon forest when a blue heron flew up in front of us as we came around the corner. The trees almost met over the road, and we slowed down, following the bird as he slowly gained altitude. We followed him for more than a hundred yards and around several curves before he was able to gain enough altitude to get out over the tops of the trees. BIG bird! Never forget it.