I arrived at the marsh early in the morning, just as this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was getting up. He seemed to be going through his pre-breakfast routine, grooming and preening and getting ready for the day ahead. It was fascinating to watch him contort his long neck as he sought to arrange his feathers just so. The water was calm enough that he could have used it as a mirror, if he had wanted to do so.
I am not sure if he was trying to make himself look bigger and fluffier, was airing himself out, or just wanted some additional air for insulation, but at one point he shook himself vigorously. I was fortunate enough to get the first photo as he was in the process of ruffling the feathers.
Eventually, my feathered friend decided that he was presentable and stood motionless, as though posing for me. I’ll post some of those images later.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Great shots. You’re lucky that he lets you get close.
The boardwalk in the marsh lets me be partly inside of the beaver pond, which helps me get some unobstructed shots.