What a great find in that Black Headed Heron! That is a gorgeous bird! It reminds me of seeing the Great Blue Heron on trips to Idaho when I was younger, such a majestic bird. I can see how it lifted your mood, it's always fun to come across a heron!

Forest fires are strange, how they spare patches and others they burn without mercy. It will grow back, it just takes a very long time sadly. I remember visiting Yellowstone Park after the fires here back in 80's, it was horrible. Now the green is back and new pines are finally getting tall enough to notice. Nature presses on and always has!