Although it is exciting to be able to capture a photo of a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) flying or catching a fish, I find them to be beautiful even when they are standing still.
I came upon this heron early one morning a week ago or so and was struck by the serenity of the moment. The heron seemed pensive and the beautiful morning light helped to provide some wonderful reflections in the still water of the beaver pond.
The second shot was taken a little later that same morning, after the heron had groomed himself. In this photo, I am amazed at how tall the heron looks with his neck fully extended.
It was rare for me to be able to get unobstructed shots of a heron from relatively close range, and I was pretty happy to be able to get shots like this.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
I have been within 20 feet of a great blue heron and it definitely makes me appreciate the wild world around me. Beautiful pics.
Thanks. I think they are pretty special too.
Nice shots. That’s one bird I need to photograph yet.
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