A Great Egret strikes a pose before lunging for a snack on a warm evening a couple of weeks ago, just before the cold moved in.

A Great Blue Heron drops in with that slow-motion grace—wings flared, toes out, and a careful touchdown on the log.

A Great Egret stalks a small fish through shallow water, then lunges forward with remarkable speed and precision.

An egret stands against a colorful late-September sunset, with warm light reflected across the lake.

A Great Blue Heron carries a freshly caught fish to shore, where it carefully handles its hard-earned meal.

A Great Egret works the shallows, plucking tadpoles from the water and tossing each catch into position.

Great Blue Heron love birds share a quiet moment while building their nest for the season.

Look at those feet! This Great Blue Heron had been wading along the shoreline not too far away when it decided to fly to the other side of the lake.