There were a pair of Great Egrets in the marshy area along the east edge of Muddy Pond this morning. They appeared very nervous and left immediately after I took the above photo. They flew off in a westerly direction toward Holden. (photo by Bob Ricci).

Last August I found one on a limb in the big dead tree that stands in the swampy area of Muddy pond. That Great Egret (pictured above) appeared very calm and allowed me to photograph it over several minutes time. It may be that Great Egrets feel more secure sitting high in a tree than standing at ground level in a marsh. (photos by Bob Ricci).