Halcyon heron

Photo by Sarah Phelan

The Sibley Guide to Birds describes the flight call of Ardea herodias, the Great blue heron, as a "very deep, hoarse trumpeting fraaahnk or braak."

"Our largest and heaviest heron is one of the most vocal, calling frequently in flight," Sibley's Guide says. "Generally solitary and nocturnal, it hunts fish and other animals while wading slowly in quiet waters."

I always wondered how best to transcribe the primal croak that emits from this beautiful bird as it flies by. Now, thanks to Sibley's I know what to croak back in response:  Fraaahnk. Brak.