As I was exploring Riverbend Park yesterday, I looked out into the Potomac River and spotted a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) standing on a small, rocky island in the middle of the river. Although I see Great Blue Herons pretty regularly, I invariably stop to observe them. This heron seemed to be particularly cheerful and appeared to have a smile of its face or maybe it was singing to greet the new day.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I would love to see these regularly. Thanks for sharing! It does look like its smiling. 🙂
The herons are regulars at the marshes and ponds that I like to visit when I am out photowalking and even, as you see, a pretty good sized river.
I haven’t seen many here yet this year.
I see one of these guys about two or three times a year. They are magnificent.