I previously worked as a news and sports photographer. Recently I have been enjoying wildlife photography. My approach toward bird photos is similar to sports photography. I attempt to capture mostly action and hopefully a unique perspective.
This great blue heron seemed to be quite proud of his impressive wing span as he landed in the marsh pond this morning. I thought he looked quite distinguished…what do you think?!

Quite – and doing it all in your direction so it gets caught on the photo!
He was being somewhat cooperative which is not normally how it happens. I give direction, they ignore me.
That’s how things generally go. 😀
What’s not to be proud of??! He must have heard of your blog and wants to be in it!LOL Great shot of this beauty!
Thanks a bunch Molly! I got one of his friends with a BIG fish also. I might post that on Monday.
Incredible capture!
Appreciate it Joy!
You’re right – he is a show-off. Love the moment…
It’s likely he thinks quite highly of himself. And why not? He is a dapper gent! 🙂
He is indeed…
🙂
That is an impressive wing span! What a great shot!
The heron looks naked with it’s wings spread like that. Its pose makes me think of a flasher…a heron flasher!!
Thanks very much, glad you liked this shot!
You can see his knickers. 😳 😀
Them legs ain’t half bad either. 😉
A little skinny perhaps, but yes indeed, still quite nice. 🙂
And such a beautiful wingspan that it is !
Yes it is quite the good size wingspan! I guess they need those wings too, I saw several chasing each other away from all the hot fishing spots. It was an active morning. Pelicans, cormorants, egrets, ibis, osprey, eagles, and all types of various shore birds all put in an appearance. 🙂
Sounds like you had a fabulous day ! Current bald report at Conowingo Dam is 100+ balds ! Plus plenty of GBH’s
It seems that right about after you told me about the eagles over at Conowingo, I can’t look anywhere without seeing a report and pics of what appears to be an absolute eagle EXPLOSION going on over there! Must be amazing!
Me? I’ve now got dopey brown pelicans coming out of my ears. Oh well…
¡Que belleza Phil!
Muchas gracias yo soy feliz te gusta esta foto 😀
“Ta-da!!” The wingspan is amazing, but the legs are really startling. 😀
Everyone is sure lovin’ those legs! 😆
Thanks much Sylvia and enjoy your weekend.
I’m currently enjoying a cold beer. 😀
Nice capture, Phil.
Thanks much Mike.
I can just hear him saying, “Thank you! Thank you very much!”
You are right! I think he was expecting applause!
He’s simply shouting: I’m over here! Take a pic of me! Make me famous!
That definitely could be the case. He did seem quite proud and happy with his dramatic entrance. 😀
Distinguished, classy, proper, graceful – all terms I’d use for herons in general. They’re the Britons of the water bird world, in a way. Although… this one’s a bit scraggly looking! His torso’s a little unkempt. But still distinguished. 🙂
He does look a bit unkempt it’s true. But to be fair, he had been battling all morning with a good size group of pelicans that had descended on his fishing area and got him all upset. So he is doing his best to keep his appearance dapper.
Thanks very much Sid for checking out the pic!
Amazing, wonderful capture.
I appreciate you looking.
WOW! Great shot. You are amazing dear PHil, Thank you, love, nia
Thank you so much for your kind words Nia! 😀
I think some beautiful animals know that they are spactacular and actually like having their photo taken. :+) I agree he is very distinguished…
Great timing by the way! :+)
I agree some animals do seem to realize they are particulary attractive. Probably not in that exact sense but many do appear to be self aware.
Glad you like this pic!
He looks like he is going to hug you 🙂
Well a hug is OK, I just don’t want to get pecked in the eye by that beak of his. 😯 😀
He kind of looks like he’s tap dancing!