When I first spotted a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) perched high in a tree on Thursday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I noticed that its head was bowed. I figured that it was either praying or napping, probably the latter.
The heron raised its head a little and opened its eyes when I got closer, but apparently it decided that I was not a threat. Gradually the heron’s head started to drop and it drifted off to sleep again. As you can see in the final photo, herons sleep with their eyes closed (or at least that is what it looks like they do).
Sweet dreams, handsome heron.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice captures, Mike, those turned up long feathers are a nice bonus. GBH seem to sleep with the same intensity that they fish.
That’s a skill humans will never master.
I really liked this series, Mike. For all the GBHs I have seen in my life, I have never seen one napping. This is unusual and terrific! And the feathers in the wind, especially on the top photo–outstanding.
Wonderful photos, Mike. A favorite subject of mine. Napping, that is.
When I was in the service working shift work, I also mastered that one-legged nap technique!
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