Portraits of a heron in February

Feeds:: Posts; Comments

Portraits of a heron in February

February 13, 2015 by Mike Powell

Even in Northern Virginia, where temperature are relatively mild, winter must be difficult for Great Blue Herons, because many of their favorite ponds freeze over from time to time and fishing is not possible. After a recent period of temperatures above freezing, the ice melted and I was happy to see a heron return to a familiar location at my local marshland park.

I encountered this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) early on a Saturday and had an extended period of time with this photogenic bird. The heron seemed to be willing to pose for me and gave me a number of different looks.

At times, as you can see in the final shot, the heron would look straight at me with apparent curiosity. After I had taken my shots, I moved along the boardwalk, leaving the heron to continue in his efforts to catch something to eat for breakfast.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, Portraits, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Alexandria VA, Ardea herodias, Canon 50D, Great Blue Heron, heron, Huntley Meadows Park, Tamron 150-600mm telephoto | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on February 13, 2015 at 8:46 am | Reply mvschulze

Great shots Mike. I bet that Heron is hunkered down this morning! Up here we have 3 deg act., about -15 wind chill!
- on February 13, 2015 at 8:58 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  We may be slightly warmer, but not much. The current temperature here is about 15 degrees and it is windy.
on February 13, 2015 at 9:09 am | Reply Dan Traun

Wonderful shot.
on February 13, 2015 at 12:09 pm | Reply svtakeiteasy

Great details in the feathers Mike!
on February 13, 2015 at 4:10 pm | Reply naturesnippets

Years ago I was with a Girl Scout field trip, Moms included. One woman said a great blue heron was the ugliest bird. I never could figure out how she came to that conclusion. Great Pictures!
on February 13, 2015 at 10:33 pm | Reply Christy

Wowweee! I love these. My favorite is the third one. But all of the photos are wonderful.
on February 14, 2015 at 9:30 am | Reply New Hampshire Garden Solutions

These are great shots! Each one is nature magazine worthy.
on February 14, 2015 at 12:57 pm | Reply Lyle Krahn

That February heron is great. I really like it posed on the log. You made the most of that opportunity. The rare heron I see is unbelievably skittish. It’s nice to know they have friendly cousins!
on February 17, 2015 at 2:24 am | Reply Marie Keates

Great photos there
- on February 17, 2015 at 5:50 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Marie.