Portrait of a heron

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Portrait of a heron

March 3, 2025 by Mike Powell

I see Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) quite often at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but generally they are far away from me. Last week, however, I was lucky to get close enough to a heron to be able to capture a portrait-like image of the big bird. How did I do it?

The heron was standing in the waters off of the shore of the refuge and was mostly hidden from view by the vegetation. I was walking along a trail parallel to the water and discovered a little break in vegetation that gave me a clear view of most of the heron. I twisted and turned my body, trying to make sure that no branches were blocking my view and zoomed in with my telephoto lens. I had to wait a little while and eventually the heron lifted its head and turned to the side, giving me a perfect profile pose.

Some wildlife photographers are always searching for new species to photograph, but most of the time I am content to photograph the same species over and over, capturing the changing seasons and environments in which I find these beautiful creatures.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, Portraits, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Ardea herodias, Canon 7D, Great Blue Heron, heron, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, portrait, Tamron 150-600mm, Woodbridge VA | 9 Comments

9 Responses

on March 3, 2025 at 6:50 am | Reply Mitzy Bricker

Very nice capture, Mike!Blue Rock HorsesFrederick County, Virginiabluerockhorses.com
on March 3, 2025 at 9:05 am | Reply Jet Eliot

Wonderful close-up photo of the GBH, Mike–the texturing of the feathers is beautiful.
- on March 3, 2025 at 2:13 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Jet. I was really happy to be able to capture as many details of the feathers. The lighting was pretty nice in addition to my being able to get relatively close to the heron–a long telephoto zoom lens helps too.
on March 3, 2025 at 2:45 pm | Reply Laura (PA Pict)

Gorgeous portrait and wonderful capture of the various textures of the heron.
- on March 3, 2025 at 7:35 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Laura. I was especially delighted that I was able to capture the colors and textures of so many of the different feathers on the heron’s body.
on March 3, 2025 at 9:05 pm | Reply Psalm127Birthmom

Nice capture!! I see them often where I live but they seem so camera shy!!
- on March 3, 2025 at 10:10 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. Most of the time the herons in my area are skittish and fly away whenever they sense my presence, but occasionally one will remain in place and even strike a pose for me.
on March 3, 2025 at 11:04 pm | Reply Psalm127Birthmom

I just keep trying as well. They are less suspecting when I am in the car.
on March 5, 2025 at 6:01 am | Reply kewtiebird

Lovely