The Big Arrival

Great Blue Herons almost always feel they have to make a huge production out of everything. This one was no different as he arrived in the salt marsh among the oyster beds with a dramatic flourish. Normally you might think the effect is wasted if no one is around to be impressed, but not to these big guys. Blue herons quite often seem to be perfectly content impressing themselves!

20 thoughts on “The Big Arrival”

Patrizia M. on February 25, 2014 at 5:15 pm said:

Sembra un condor, gulp!!!!
Bellissimo scatto Phil
Ciao, Pat

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:34 pm said:
  
  Grazie Pat! 🙂
  
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Cowboys and Crossbones on February 25, 2014 at 5:32 pm said:

I’d impress myself, too if I made grand entrances like that! The heron almost looks as if its the same color as the puddles behind him due to the reflection off of the water. Great pic!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:34 pm said:
  
  He’s a cool dude!
  
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The Dancing Rider on February 25, 2014 at 5:56 pm said:

He deserves to be flashy and impressive! I love the orange details on him, and their contrast with his plummage and the background. Again, if a person tried to arrange this photograph, with the land, water, and (what are those, plants of some sort?) and the vegetation, it would be impossible! Great composition in this!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:35 pm said:
  
  I think that green vegetation is seaweed brought in by the tide.
  Glad you liked this shot!
  
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Lyle Krahn on February 25, 2014 at 6:15 pm said:

I’m impressed!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:36 pm said:
  
  I have to admit, I was too. But I can’t let him know. 🙂
  
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Gunta on February 25, 2014 at 7:35 pm said:

Gotta admit that wing span is pretty damned impressive. Wish his cousins around here had the same tendency rather than fleeing if I so much as slow the car down.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:36 pm said:
  
  When you see those wings spread out you realize how big of a bird it really is.
  
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Alison Martin on February 25, 2014 at 8:35 pm said:

Wonderful shot! The shadow is perfect!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:37 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much, glad you liked this shot!
  
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janmasyn on February 26, 2014 at 3:52 am said:

Impressive bird and great shot.

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks for checking this out Jan!
  
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foxleylady on February 26, 2014 at 6:00 am said:

Such a favourite! I love the way he matches the sky reflected in the water and his shadow is so impressive! What a fantastic shot, Phil!

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:38 pm said:
  
  Thank you Maggie, I appreciate it!
  
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Sreejith Nair on February 26, 2014 at 1:07 pm said:

It’s like A-380 landing 🙂 nice shot…

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- Phil Lanoue on February 26, 2014 at 7:38 pm said:
  
  Yes they really are good size birds! Thanks!
  
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anotherday2paradise on March 2, 2014 at 5:51 pm said:

Wow! What a wingspan he’s got. How could he fail to impress? Fantastic capture, Phil. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 2, 2014 at 8:34 pm said:
  
  It’s funny how we can see a bird like this fairly often but still be amazed when you suddenly get an idea of how large they really are.
  Thank you Sylvia!
  
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