Last Friday I was walking slowly along a trail that runs parallel to the water off of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge when I noticed a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) doing the same thing. Most of the time when I see a heron, it is in the water, though occasionally I have spotted one perched in a tree. It is highly unusual for me to see one on dry land, but this heron seemed to strolling down the path, taking in the sights.
I slowed down a little to maintain my distance from the heron and managed to capture this shot as heron was lifting its long toes to take another step. Eventually the heron became aware of my presence and quickened his walking pace a bit until he reached an opening to the water and flew away. What a fun little encounter with the heron!
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
What a great walk to have. A perfect shot of the heron. 🙂
Thanks. It was a definite surprise and a really cool encounter. 🙂
What a beautiful story and a great captured photo, Mike. Thank you for the smile this post brought to me. Have a lovely day!
Nice one
Thanks, Louis.
great capture!
Beautiful shot
Thanks, Michael. It was a memorable encounter.
You’re welcome.
How wonderful to take a stroll with a great blue heron–great photo and story, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. I was thrilled when I managed to get a shot of our brief encounter.
What a lovely encounter you had, Mike!