I have always thought that Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) look a bit awkward on the ground, tall and gangly, but they are exceptionally beautiful in the air.
As I approached this blue heron yesterday at my local marshland park, it decided to take off. I often try to capture photos of birds in flight, though generally I’ve had only limited success.
I was pretty happy with this shot, taken shortly after the heron had taken to the air. The shaded woods make a decent backdrop and I like the blooming mallow flowers in the foreground. The focusing is a little soft, but I was able to capture some of the magnificent details of the visible wing.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
I just scared one off a few days ago, so I can appreciate your efforts. It isn’t easy!
It should be easier, because the birds are big and fly pretty slowly, but in practice it’s a real challenge for me to acquire focus and at the same time have appropriate settings for the camera.
Reblogged this on jessicaslavin and commented:
A photo I wish I’d taken, of the moment I tried to catch in the haiku Pond in Spring: http://wp.me/p2YYvK-5P
Getting good photos of birds in flight is a real challenge under any conditions, but the darker they are, the harder it is. Herons are so elegant in flight, and this showcases that elegance beautifully.