Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) can be quite cranky when they are disturbed and they will often make a loud squawking sound to signal their displeasure. Last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I inadvertently spooked this heron and he made sure to indicate vocally that he was not happy to relocate as he flew past me.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That squawk is distinctive. Even without hearing it just now, I can “hear” it. There’s never any question who’s around when that sound echoes.
“Distinctive” is a nice neutral way to describe the sound. It can be a bit grating on the ears, particularly when it is long and drawn out. Often I hear the sound before I see the heron.
Sometimes I hear the sound and never see the heron. That call can travel a good distance.
A beautiful capture. 😊
Thanks. In-flight shots are always a challenge, though it is definitely a little easier when the bird is as large and slow-moving as this Great Blue Heron.
Well you did manage to make it look easier than it is. I am sure I could learn a lot from you about capturing birds in flight. Well done! 😊
That’s a fantastic shot, Mike.
Thanks, Dan.
Great picture of this heron, dear Mike 👍
Our last post was about herons as well https://fabfourblog.com/2023/02/26/heron/
All the best
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂