I was thrilled to spot this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) last Saturday as it sheltered in the vegetation at the edge of a small pond at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Initially I took a photo from a distance, but then followed the trail along the edge of the pond and managed to get some closer shots.
Most of the time, Great Blue Herons seem stoic and impassive, but this one showed a lot of personality, especially in the first image. When I asked him to smile for the close-ups, though, he decided he wanted a more serious, dignified look, as you can see in the final two photos. I liked the resulting images and the think the heron would have been happy too.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very nice series of Great Blue Heron images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
I love that last shot, Mike. I really like Herons.
“When I asked him to smile for the close up…” Lol. I can well imagine that you did ask him, Mike. 🙂
His plumage seems very ‘fluffed’ up! Very nice series of images, Mike.
Thanks, Chris. It was cold and windy and it sure did seem that the heron had fluffed up its feathers to stay warm. In fact, this was the first time that I recall seeing a heron that looked chubby–normally they seem tall and thin,
Nice study, Mike. A heron with personality.
Nice of him to pose for you. Guess he knows the command, “Stay!?!”
🙂
Not that easy to smile when all you have is a beak, but great effort and effect.