At the edge of a small pond a solitary Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) hunched over, trying to stay warm on a frigid winter morning last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. From a distance, it looked like the heron had wrapped itself in a shaggy winter coat.
The heron did not move from its single-legged pose as I passed, but seemed to be tracking me with its half-opened eyes, judging that I did not represent a threat. There was no need to expend its precious energy in avoiding me. 
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Forgive me Mr. Heron but I am reminded of a caricature I once saw of Phylis Diller.
🙂
I wonder if, after a while, he/she switched legs to let the cold one warm up.
I didn’t see it happen, but I think that the herons do switch legs and keep the one not being used tucked up under the feathers to keep it warm. I have seen geese do the same thing when they were standing on the ice.
I’ve seen that too, and also with ducks. And, of course, in reverse, lizards on hot rocks that lift their feet alternately to try to cool them off.
Very nice detailed Great Blue Heron image Mike!
Love its expression!
Soaking up some sun! 😊
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
I enjoyed hearing about your encounter with this great blue heron, Mike, on a frigid morning. And the photo is a gem. Both the heron and the photographer were enjoying the effects of the sunshine.
Thanks, Jet. There was some warmth coming from the sun, but the positive benefits of the were as much psychological as physical–so many other winter days have been dark and gloomy. 🙂
He’s beautiful. And that look would make me keep my distance. Great capture!
Thanks. I love watching Great Blue Herons, though there was no action on that day. It was so cold that it would not have been comfortable standing in the frigid water trying to catch a fish.
What an amazing shot.
Thanks, Tricia. I am amazed that the Great Blue Herons stay with us all winter, while the Great Egrets migrate south to warmer spots.
Amazing.
Great image, Mike! That eye is following you! I love the shaggy scarf like feathers.
Thanks, Chris. That heron is usually in the same general area and I saw it again today, standing a little taller and looking a bit more active.
Somebody look cold!
I had on layers and insulated boots and hope all of the fluffed up feathers kept the heron warm. The top of the head looked like it was not well-insulated and I wanted to give the heron my stocking hat.