Hard Left Turn

This past weekend I was out looking over the salt marsh when I saw this great blue heron coming at a rapid pace. I thought he would land along the edge down from where I was standing but he suddenly took a hard left turn and zipped by right in front of me and continued on his way to the far side. I guess he saw something he liked over there, and did a quick mid course correction to get him to the new more attractive destination!

36 thoughts on “Hard Left Turn”

Patrizia M. on March 12, 2014 at 11:51 am said:

Però tu sei riuscito a fare foto fantastiche come sempre. Bravissimo Phil, complimenti 🙂
Ciao, Pat

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 12:30 pm said:
  
  Sono contento ti è piaciuto queste foto Pat! 🙂
  
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roughseasinthemed on March 12, 2014 at 11:56 am said:

Beautiful in blue Phil, what a lovely series of shots. A truly gorgeous bird.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 12:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million for checking these out and the blue heron really is a pretty and interesting bird.
  
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foxleylady on March 12, 2014 at 12:15 pm said:

Such a great series of motion pictures, Phil! Those colours – just gorgeous!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 12:29 pm said:
  
  I’m very happy you enjoyed these Maggie, and the great blue never fail to provide some interesting and fun photo ops!
  
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anotherday2paradise on March 12, 2014 at 1:03 pm said:

Wow! Such a great series of action pics, Phil. Absolutely gorgeous colours and detail. He’s such a skilled pilot. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 3:18 pm said:
  
  Thanks a bunch Sylvia and yes indeed this guy knows what he is doing!
  
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Lyle Krahn on March 12, 2014 at 1:45 pm said:

I love that head on shot. You must be pretty happy with that one.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 3:17 pm said:
  
  Ha! I knew you would pick that one out, it’s my favorite shot of the bunch!
  
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Dalo 2013 on March 12, 2014 at 2:20 pm said:

Great series of photos, blue herons are so elegant, both in flight and rest.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 3:19 pm said:
  
  Hey thanks very much I appreciate you looking and commenting!
  Blue herons, despite being fairly common, really are very cool birds!
  
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  - Dalo 2013 on March 12, 2014 at 3:23 pm said:
    
    So true, we have them all around the Pacific NW and every time we see them we can’t help but watch and admire. Cheers!
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 3:26 pm said:
      
      I know, there really is something about these big guys that commands attention!
      
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Chillbrook on March 12, 2014 at 2:51 pm said:

Magnificent Phil! Photos like this really give you a sense of that wonderful control these birds have in the air.. I do so very much envy them..

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 3:21 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million Adrian so glad you liked these!
  When you really get a look at that wing span and see what they can do, they are a marvel to observe!
  
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Amy on March 12, 2014 at 4:16 pm said:

Awesome action shot! Beautiful wing movements, Phil!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 6:41 pm said:
  
  They really do look impressive when they get those big wings going!
  Thanks Amy!
  
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janmasyn on March 12, 2014 at 4:43 pm said:

Wonderful shots Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 6:42 pm said:
  
  I’m happy you liked these GBH photos Jan.
  
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The Dancing Rider on March 12, 2014 at 6:22 pm said:

The third shot really gives you an interesting perspective on the GBH. It’s beautiful! You get how streamline they are. And the other shots show his interesting colors – they are so many. He really stands out against the background. I bet he found what he was interested in too. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2014 at 6:45 pm said:
  
  I’m happy you picked out that third photo, it is my favorite of the five.
  He looked like he had a serious plan on a destination for sure!
  
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Gunta on March 13, 2014 at 3:47 am said:

That head on shot is really impressive!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2014 at 7:55 am said:
  
  I’m glad you particularly enjoyed that shot, it’s my favorite of the bunch!
  
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ecoy1 on March 13, 2014 at 11:03 am said:

Great series, Phil!!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2014 at 12:17 pm said:
  
  So glad you enjoyed these GBH photos!
  
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Littlesundog on March 13, 2014 at 11:15 am said:

Striking images, Phil. We have these beauties in our area too, but I’ve never been able to capture them as you have! Gorgeous, aren’t they?

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2014 at 12:20 pm said:
  
  Thanks for the kind words about these photos! Yes indeed the GBH is a great looking bird and although fairly common, they are still lots of fun to watch and photograph!
  
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edithlevyphotography on March 13, 2014 at 2:38 pm said:

Beautiful series of images Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2014 at 3:50 pm said:
  
  I appreciate that Edith, thanks much!
  
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Paula on March 13, 2014 at 3:41 pm said:

What a gorgeous bird, Phil. Great blue heron is so beautifully blue in your amazing captures. (how are your results?)

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2014 at 3:52 pm said:
  
  They are rather impressive birds for sure Paula and I always stop to watch and photograph one when I get a chance!
  Things are still along so far, looks like I’m going for an RFL procedure on back and leg nerves next week. The saga continues.
  
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  - Paula on March 13, 2014 at 3:56 pm said:
    
    Good luck, Phil. I will be sending you good vibes.
    
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    - Phil Lanoue on March 14, 2014 at 8:25 pm said:
      
      Thanks for that Paula, I greatly appreciate it!
      
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Mary Strong-Spaid on March 18, 2014 at 7:34 pm said:

professional flight pilot, for sure.

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- Phil Lanoue on April 2, 2014 at 11:18 am said:
  
  Oh yes, this guy is a real pro! 🙂
  
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