It was cold and breezy yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and most of the birds seemed to have taken shelter and were hidden from view. There were large rafts of some kind of ducks visible in the distance on the bay, so periodically I would look out at the water, hoping that some bold bird had ventured close enough for me to identify it.
As I was scanning the surroundings, my eyes detected a bit of motion and I caught a glimpse of this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). Normally I see herons in the water or occasionally perched in a tree. This heron, however, was perched atop a duck hunting blind a short distance from the shore. In some years this blind has been used by ospreys for nesting, so there always seems to be sticks piled on the roof that you can see behind the heron.
I am not sure why the heron chose this particular location, but maybe it felt secure and sheltered there. I noted that the heron was perched on one leg and recalled that herons will sometimes tuck the other leg underneath its feathers to keep it warm.
I was careful not to disturb the heron from its chosen spot while I grabbed a few shots and then I moved slowly down the trail in search of additional subjects to photograph.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice shot anc good balance 🙂
Thanks, Rudi.
Nice Mike! Always fun to photograph Great Blue Herons! Enjoyed seeing your image!
Thanks, Reed.
Wow! The handling of the light in this photograph is striking. I love the way you have let those highlights pick out the profile of the heron against the warm but dark background.
Thanks, Laura. I am really pleased that I have been able to capture some “artsy” images recently. Although I geek out over the technical aspects of photography sometimes, I try never to forget about the creative side of it that involves my heart and not just to my brain.
I like the shaggy look he’s got going for him. Great photo, Mike.
We all need winter coats as the weather cools off. 🙂 Thanks, Dan.
The Great Blues around here often will perch on the corner of shed roofs in the marinas. I’ve watched them doze away the afternoon there. They’re rather fond of swim platforms on boats, too, especially the ones that are sheltered from the wind.
I think that the herons must really enjoy any shelter that they can get. Sometimes I see them hunched over, huddled at the edge of the marsh on frigid days and wonder how they manage to survive.
Lovely.
Beautiful portrait in great light, Mike.
Thanks, Steve.
Oh wow, Mike, this is a superb portrait. Exquisite background hue, beautiful details in the heron’s plumage. You have outdone yourself with this image!
Thanks, Chris. I was happy enough that I was able to find a clear visual path to the heron to get a shot, given that I was shooting though some vegetation. The vegetation helped to conceal my presence and gave me the time to try some different camera settings. As I was reviewing the shots afterwards, I was drawn to the ones that had a darker, somewhat moody feel, like the one that I presented in the posting.
A beautiful capture, Mike, with wonderful detail and elegant mottled red background!
Thanks, Ellen. I was thrilled with the way the background turned out–it was almost like I was shooting in a studio setting. 🙂
Beautiful. Herons are such majestic creatures.
I love observing herons and am always amazed at their patience and persistence when they are fishing.
Yes, they are great!
Wow! What a great shot! Truly. Love the colors and light.
Thanks, Laura. It is fun to photograph the same subjects over and over again, because I never know when I will get unexpectedly beautiful results like this photo.
Beautiful colourful shot
Thanks, Ronald.