... here in Western Maryland, quite far from the bay and seacoast. That's because we have a lot of large creeks around here full of fish, plus a couple of fish hatchery operations (which attract herons). I'm sure they don't nest here, they must be from the Eastern Shore/southern Maryland.

I wonder how herons get along with raptors. We've got more of those in Washington County than anyplace else I've seen. You name it -- hawks of all types, owls, eagles (both golden and bald). I once saw a great horned owl perched on my neighbor's roof -- and this was a suburban-type neighborhood. The hills must be thick with em -- I pity the local rodents.