A Great Blue Heron stands among some Sea Oats while looking over at two other Herons a short distance away. The other birds are probably looking for some sand crabs, lizards, or some other delectable indigenous delight for their noon-time snack last Saturday afternoon. But to me, this bird seems to be focused on a higher contemplative level. I would suppose he is gazing beyond his companions on to the encroaching development, and wondering just how much farther it will intrude upon his once lovely tropical paradise. But man's so called development isn't the only problem our hero faces. Mother Nature herself lately hasn't been much of an ally. Not too long ago the sand dunes in that area were so plentiful and tall that anyone standing where our Blue Heron is in this picture would have no chance at all in seeing those condos in the background. Just over 4 years ago Hurricane Ivan, the worst storm to hit Pensacola in over a hundred years, wiped the massive sand dunes away and the entire Island was under water. God only knows how the birds survived, unless they instinctively knew to fly away. That makes them a lot smarter than some of the unfortunate people who chose to remain. So it will take some time, but Mother Nature has already begun the slow process of rejuvenation. But we could sure help the process out a lot if we could only get rid of those pesky condos. I'm sure our Heron friend here would appreciate it. 3rd in a series. marshall