Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, 2015.

Great blue herons are a common large wading bird in the recreation area during spring and summer. This large wading bird is usually found near shores of open water and in wetlands. With a wingspan of 66-79 inches and a height of 45-54 inches, it is the largest North American heron. For comparison, this makes them around twice as heavy as great egrets (Ardea alba), though only slightly taller.