Heron or Egret, regardless of what it is, we are loving their visits!  The first one we saw was very close to the house and I did not get any pictures...it stood as tall as me or taller. We have had the good fortune to have several visits this summer.

Perhaps we owe the visits to the fact that San Elijo Lagoon is undergoing restoration. Regardless of the reason I am honored it landed in our yard. Incredible to watch its noble stature, pausing, as if allowing us time to watch for many minutes. It is indeed a majestic creature. Gracefully it walked around our yard, I was in awe watching, when Ric thought to gets some pictures....as he and moved closer to the window it must have become startled and spreads its wings swiftly yet elegantly it hopped to the neighbor's yard and then we went out to see where it went with the same ease it took off flying in circles above us before leaving...was a breathtaking experience.

We are lucky to see many different birds in our yard, hawks, owls, morning doves, hummingbirds and lots of different colored birds come daily. The visit from the Heron is one of the more memorable we have had since the hawk that landed in the bush right next to me.

I looked online to find out more about Herons and Egerts both are known for their beauty and grace. They have different meanings in different cultures: Egypt the Heron is honored as the creator of light.  Chinese symbol the Heron represents strength, purity, patience and long life. In Africa, the Heron was thought to communicate with the Gods. Some Native American tribes took note of the heron's inquisitiveness, curiosity and determination.  As such this set the heron as a symbol of wisdom in that this creature seemed to have good judgement skills. The white egret bird symbolizes purity, a symbol of infinity, creator of light, going with the flow of Mother Nature rather than resisting her.

As a Realtor I know that MOVING from one's homes to a new home is one of the most stressful things one can do. I wonder how it is affecting the birds and wildlife during the restoration as they look for a new home. I am guessing the heron that has been visiting us has been looking for a new place to call home &/or looking for food.

I am grateful for their visits and hoping it finds a new home soon...In the meantime I look forward to future visits from this beautiful creature.