No, the heron was not taking off in flight. It had been preening its feathers for over an hour when it suddenly took a few steps while flapping its wings, and then settled down for more preening. I am amazed that I got these photos so I don't mind that they are not the best lighting or focus. Mallards and wood ducks were swimming about the hummocks that the heron was on. The mallards even sat down next to the heron and the big bird did not mind. When clicked, these photos will open, full size, in a new window.Technorati Tags: Ardea herodias, Great blue heron
_/\_/\_
Boy, you are lucky to get all these good photos. When I get near a Heron---poof off it goes. They are a real different type of bird. MB
ReplyDeleteMB is right. They are pretty skittish birds. For some reason they just don't trust us humans -:)
ReplyDeleteLove the wing span you captured. Very nice.
Awesome photos!! I've been photographing a couple of great blue herons the past few days; they are tough to get close to.
ReplyDeleteWow. How far away were you when you took this? Very cool. Did the birds all return this week? Or have they been there longer? I've seen geese and ducks this week, but no swans yet. We have many new little birds, but I haven't been able to identify them. It sounds like an aviary when you go outside these days.
ReplyDelete