Long-necked heron

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Long-necked heron

January 31, 2025 by Mike Powell

This Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) had its neck extended so much on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge that it reminded me of a giraffe. The mind can sometimes make weird associations.

We have finally made it to the end of January. What a crazy month it has been in so many different ways.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Ardea herodias, Canon 7D, Great Blue Heron, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, reflection, Tamron 150-600mm, Woodbridge VA | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on January 31, 2025 at 9:08 am | Reply Ann

Looks like he was posing for you. Such a perfect reflection. Thank you!
- on January 31, 2025 at 9:34 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Ann. In my experience, Great Blue Herons will often stand motionless for extended periods of time, which is great for a static portrait, and then explode into action for a very brief moment–capturing that moment is a real challenge, because it often comes without warning. 🙂
on January 31, 2025 at 1:59 pm | Reply Laura (PA Pict)

Stunning shot, Mike! You’ve handled the lighting beautiful and the composition is wonderful.
- on January 31, 2025 at 2:15 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Laura. I had initially zoomed in closer on the heron, but decided to zoom out to make sure that I included its entire reflection. I also focused very carefully to ensure that the heron’s yellow eye was in focus. I think those two factors helped to make the photo a success (along with the relatively calm waters).
on January 31, 2025 at 2:44 pm | Reply Michael Sammut

Nice shot!
on February 3, 2025 at 4:34 am | Reply kewtiebird

Beautiful
- on February 3, 2025 at 5:37 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks.
on February 16, 2025 at 8:00 am | Reply Ellen Jennings

Nice capture of the classic “look.” It is always so interesting to see them stand so still in water that completely covers their legs, especially knowing how cold it must have been.