Great Blue Herons put a lot of work into making a good nest. Once a pair is established the male becomes responsible for bringing the sticks. Obtaining them can be quite an ordeal. This GBH decided to make a selection from a tree.

Their beaks are pretty strong and they often can snap off a branch, if only they can decide which one. Up here:

Down here:

Success, with a little Spanish Moss thrown in:

Of course now the female has to accept and place the stick. More than once I’ve seen an inferior stick get tossed into the water.