This Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was so well hidden that I could not tell if it was perched on a small raised portion of the ground or in a tree when I caught a glimpse of it during a recent visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. My view of the heron initially was mostly obscured by the thick vegetation, but I managed to get a somewhat clear shot of it by climbing on top of a conveniently placed park bench.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I got a little nervous when I read “climb on top…” At least benches are pretty sturdy. That’s a great shot of a lovely bird.
It’s difficult for such a large bird to hide so I reckon hidden parts will have to do.
Nice photograph to capture Big Blue.
Thanks, Wally. You are quite right about it being difficult for a heron to be hidden–more often than not they fly up into trees when they want to be safe from predators, which I think are mostly earthbound.