@jbreheny - They are very difficult to take photos of unless they are in that observation/hunting mode. My little Nikon coolpix (very old) has a telephoto so the bird wasn't as alarmed. However, as we followed him across the lake, he was well-aware of us there (we aren't very good bird photographers ;) Ooohing and awwwing). I'd get him within focus and he'd move or fly off right away - all those photos are blurred.

They truly are beautiful and graceful birds though - such a big presence. Special.