There really are only so many "interesting" shots you can get of my Big Bird. When one watches him often, he doesn't move much and when he does he is very fast indeed.
But I am always fascinated with how he primps and tidies himself up. I suspect there are more than a few bugs in those feathers!
I love it when he flies -- which isn't often. Now and then he'll skip a few yards to a new spot and when he does, I often miss the flight, but I love the fluffy feathers of the landing!
Our ponds are looking lovely these days. That wonderful spring green of the willow tree is one of my favorite colors. Eventually the leaves will darken and they'll be pretty too -- but nothing beats this.
I'm trying to adjust my walking times so that there are fewer people there at the same time. On a particularly lovely morning I decided to hit it around eight to not only catch the morning light but perhaps avoid the later walkers. I wasn't disappointed when I laid eyes on this!
So, Harry has a friend! Is it Harriet? Henrietta? Or cousin Henry? I'm sure I can't tell the difference between male and female but it was lovely to see them together.
It was a good day for the light!
One must be patient when watching these magnificent birds fish. They stalk...
...the hunker down...
...and if I'm very lucky, I'll have my finger on the button when they dive down.
And if they are lucky, they'll come up with a tasty morsel. This time? No such luck. And so it begins again.
With or without a fishing buddy.
I think I'm liking the 8 a.m. walking time!
47 comments:
I love the reflections. How nice to discover two of them, Jeanie! -Jenn
You got some amazing shots of the herons!
I love herons. :) They always make me think of my late stepfather, who was tall, lanky, quiet, and patient. :)
Beautiful pics! I am really hoping that this is Harry's "lady friend" and you will have pics of some baby heron's soon. I have never seen baby heron's. Very exciting. They truly are magnificent birds. Thanks for sharing!
Jeanie, I think you were rewarded with your earlier walk time. The light is just is perfect on these photos. Aww, Harry has a friend or mate, it will be fun finding out during the summer. I suspect you will be able to tell by behavior, or at least it will be fun to watch for signs. A beautiful day here to start the week, hope it is there too.............
A wonderful day
Great pictures! I love morning light and, like you, we are continuously switching our walking times up just to avoid too many passersby.
There's a reason photographers call early morning and late afternoon 'the golden hours.' The light is more flattering then -- high noon isn't the time to photograph Harry and his friends!
Early morning is always a good time to go out, and you got some lovely photos of the herons. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie
I am SO looking forward to having my very own heron to stalk next year when I move. I love your photo and consider them to be previews of my coming mornings living near water.
That's a beautiful sequence of images of those magnificent waders!
be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Between the lilypads, the morning light, and Harry's rippled reflections... reminds me of Monet.
Welcome home Harry!
Wonderful photos. Herons are such magnificent birds. :)
What great photos of that regal bird. So many poses :) It looks like you have a great place to walk :)
I think you have done a GREAT job in capturing Henry and his friends ~
especially in the pix with the reflections ~
Keep up the good work!
Harry is quite the handsome fellow.
Jeanie! Harry is so "H"uge and "H"andsome! I really love these photos of him that you share us because just as I said I have never seen herons ever and I think they look super beautiful!
Wonderful nature shots, Jeanie, you must have the patience of a saint to be able to capture the herons wo wonderfully as they go about their daily routines. The shots which capture not only the heron but also the reflections are amazing. Enjoy your early morning walks and stay safe & healthy.
Obviously, Jeanie, I am thrilled with this coverage and I think you did an exceptionally fine job. The photographs with the reflection are especially pleasing; a couple you could invert and not know the difference. There is no way to tell male and female apart, but as long as they know I guess that is all that matters! It is a strange paradox that now we try to schedule our time outdoors to avoid people not to connect with them. And we are social animals!
Fantastic photos Jeanie, and a handsome subject(s). Wouldn't it be nice if it was a Henrietta and they have some babies :-)
Jeanie, I love this post. Such beautiful birds. The dark streaks in Harry's feathers look almost blue. Nature's colors are beautiful. I vote for the name Harriet. Wouldn't it be grand if you would see little ones soon?
Enjoy your walking, I am certainly enjoying your photos.
Wow, Jeanie! These are awesome shots of Harry and his mate. The reflection captures are beautiful. Seeing Harry has made me smile, great sighting. I like the early morning walks too. Enjoy your day, wishing you a great new week!
Your photos are wonderful. I love herons and as we live near the river we do see them flying over. In fact an area nearby is called Herons wood.
Such a glorious morning this was! There isn't anything finer than a walk among this beautiful world with all of it's creatures to behold.
Jemma
Oh là là !! Morning light, spring greens, and your magificent Big Bird!!!! His lines and curves are gorgeous, a beautifully designed bird! And Harry has a friend. And you are his friend too. Wonderful that you go out on these walking/seeing journeys.
Fabulous photos Jeanie. Isn't it great seeing the birds coming to their summer homes? Hugs-Erika
What great photos. I love seeing real live nature! The reflections are gorgeous.
We had a heron that would come to our dock each sunset. Have not seen im for many years now and sure do miss im. We can see them and the egrest in the marsh when when drive through there. Janice
Beautiful photos. It's nice to get out walking and enjoy nature. Herons are so graceful.
Take care.
What lovely photos of Harry, and he is quite the photogenic gentleman. He is apparently attracting some lady friends...Have a wonderful week, Jeanie!
Beautiful photos :)
Oh, I love that you shared your encounter with your bird :-) He seems to be awfully tolerant of being photographed!
Hii Harry!!! :-)
I was about asking if you can touch him, but the bugs, ewww, no, thank you!
Great captures!
Awww, how lovely is to see Harry with a friend. Love the photos. xx
PURE DELIGHT, Jeanie... thank you so much for sharing sweet Harry with us! :))) ((HUGS))
I love your early walk. Harry and Harriet are so lovely. You are right about the light being so nice for photos.
It is so much fun to observe and take pictures. I feel your excitement and enjoyment.
I just finished a post about birds I have photographed. It is addicting to watch them and desire photos capturing their habits but it is HARD!
Having a place near your home to walk and observe is such a blessing.
I enjoyed your post today.
Lovely to join you on your trips to the ditch.
In Fl..I love stalking them:) And taking pics:)
What beautiful photos of Henry and friend Jeanie. Nature surely is amazing!
What a joy to see these stunning photographs, especially the reflections.
All the best Jan
Jeanie, I love spending time with Harry. He is really a gorgeous bird. I always read my e-mails in bed before going to sleep. Your photos are such a relaxation and makes for a lovely night's sleep..Stay well..xxoJudy
Hi Jeanie, I agree that it's always nice to be out when others are not, and this goes for anytime, but especially now. It was nice to see this series of Harry photos and looks like he may have a new friend. Do keep us posted by way of future blog posts. Just wondering what type camera/zoom you use?
Hello, Jeanie,
Seeing Harry here with his mate, there is mostly a nest nearby too.
Your photos are awesome, I loved all the birds! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend! Take care and stay safe!
Harry is a magnificent critter!
Hello. Wonderful photos of the herons. Stay safe.
That's great that you've managed to find a walking time that suits you and also allows you to both avoid most people and see some great nature action. I'm sure those trips to the ditch are a very welcome break from the house.
Post a Comment