So What Was THAT All About?!
Yesterday afternoon I saw this great egret standing around in the salt marsh minding it’s own business when suddenly a great blue heron came swooping in and made a giant fuss.
Normally when the blue herons do this, the idea is to chase off the other bird because it is seen as a competitor for food. But in this case the egret didn’t leave and the heron didn’t seem to care one way or another.
I believe that it may simply be the great blue heron’s nature to create a huge scene when so much drama is not even required. Maybe they just get bored and enjoy making life a bit more interesting!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
I wouldn’t argue with that heron, Phil! 😀
I wouldn’t either. I also would not want to be standing next to a blue heron that was very mad at me. 😯
Thanks for looking Lucy!
It’s obviously two male birds. My wingspan is bigger than your wingspan….. *Puffs out chest*. 🙂
Yes, could be a posturing move for sure. I’ve seen that puffed out chest look before. 😀
I can’t help but snicker… that GBH almost looks like a dirty old man… flashing the pristine, pure girllie egret and sending her away in utter SHOCK! lol
Good story line! I didn’t think of that one. I’ll have to remember it for next time. 🙂
Thanks for checking out these pics!
Fabulous pictures as ever Phil!
I greatly appreciate you looking and commenting Adrian!
Excellent shots, Phil. That last photo looks as if they are about to have a confrontation 🙂
Thanks Gracie. Well the heron looked all fired up at first but then quickly calmed down. 🙂
I think you’re right, maybe a drama queen 🙂
Greats pics again, Phil.
Oh there is always plenty of drama going on out there. 🙂
Thanks!
He has just to make clear that everyone know’s who’s the king. 😉
Yes that is what they often do. Until the next bigger bird arrives. 🙂
They are both beauties, as are your photos of them!
Thanks Molly, I appreciate you checking them out.
Great serie. You are very clever taking photos of herons!
Have a great evening!
Thank you very much Hans!
Enjoy your evening as well.
Das ist wie Schwanensee Ballett. Großartig!!
Es ist wie der Swan Lake Ballet schauen! 😀
Ah much ado about nothing featuring two beautiful birds
Yes that’s how it turned out, a big deal was made but then everyone calmed down. 🙂
Wow! Very hot Legs! 😉
Oh yes! Very hot legs!! 😀
Heh heh … I saw something similar yesterday – a vulture chased a red-tailed hawk out of a nice, grassy perch. You don’t usually see hawks on the ground – and you didn’t this time either, once the vulture got there. The hawk left in quite a huff. The ole buzzard just sat there looking smug. 🙂
Always great to see birds in action. 🙂
What a wingspan of the Great Blue Heron. Beautiful actions shots.
Yes the GBH does have quite an impressive wing span. Thanks for looking and commenting!
Love the reflections in the water!!!
Thank you so much Joy, glad you like these photos!
These are such a fantastic series Phil ! One of my favorites, and the reflections..oh my! Glorious!
I truly appreciate your kind words Emily. The GBH is probably my favorite bird and when they are around you can almost guarantee something will eventually happen. 🙂
These birds are just so beautiful Love the pics with the full wing spans showing. Fantastic! 🙂
Thanks much Sylvia! Yes the wing position is my favorite part of photos like these. I tend to overlook how big these birds are when I see one just standing there, but with the wings full out they are impressive.
Incredible series.
Thank you Judy, glad you like them!
Pues tiene una pose fantástica! besos Phil
Muchas gracias por mirar estas fotos 🙂
Great shots Phil.
I appreciate you looking Jan!
What a show off :). Truly amazing captures Phil 🙂
He thinks he is boss of the marsh too. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words Paula!
Then animals are not that much different than people… 😉
I believe you are correct about that. 🙂
😀 that is not a very comforting concept though … I thought they were better 😉
There we were just the other day talking about how beautiful the GBH is, with his maroon jodhpurs and paisley vest with the fantastic feathered front – and up it pops – as though to remind us just how remarkable a bird it is! I think with looks like that we should expect dramatic behaviour, don’t you, Phil?
Wonderful series, as usual. What pleasure your visits to the salt marsh have given me since I chanced upon your site! Thank you. Best wishes for a healthy, happy and productive 2013 🙂
Sometimes I think I could re-design this entire blog and make it The Life of the Great Blue Heron, and just post GBH shots exclusively. I like them enough that I could do that but with so much else to potentially view and photograph I guess I’ll stick with more general theme. 🙂
I truly appreciate your very kind comments and I’m so happy you have been enjoying the photos and stories!
Happy New Year!
I think you’re right to display all the creatures of the salt marsh Phil – it’s always such a wonderful treat to come across the GBH, just as it must be in real life 🙂
WOW! I am speechless… Thank you dear Phil, love, nia
Thanks very much Nia! I am very happy you enjoy the photos!