I am not sure why this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was sticking out his tongue at me on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge—maybe this is how herons wish each other Merry Christmas.
I have gotten glimpses of a heron’s tongue before, but there is the first detailed look that I have had. I am amazed at the way that herons are able to swallow their prey whole and imagine that the tongue has to be tucked away somewhere within its mouth when doing so.
When I look at this image, it looks like the heron is singing, perhaps bringing tidings of comfort and joy and wishes for peace on the earth.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
What a fine photo, Mike. I like the expression in his eye as much as the capture of that tongue, although I confess I’ve never seen a heron’s tongue before, and that certainly is interesting.
I’ve only recently learned one good way to tell a juvenile from an adult. The tip, which you probably already know, is that the youngsters have a two-toned bill, like this one. In the adults, it’s completely yellow.