Here is a pano of the view i have from my tree stand. I am on the edge of a flat , 35 feet in a tree, overlooking the roost trees. There are two more roost trees to the left, unseen. The roost tree in front is about 50 yards away. The herons will often fly between me and the roost tree, circle around a bit, and then land in the tree.
This was shot free hand(monopod) in the morning, with a canon 35mm f/1.4L at f/8----6 shots.
When the nests are full, i plan on shooting one with the 300 of just the roost tree, from the ground on a tripod. Should make an awesome shot if it works.