Great Blue Herons

I was fortunate to be close enough to a Great Blue Heron in Florida to get a nice close-up. Seems this one has a couple ‘battle scars’.

At the height of 3-4 feet, wingspan of 5-6 feet, and weighing less than six pounds, it’s amazing to watch all that lankiness of the Great Blue Heron come together into a graceful landing most every time. This one I captured in Florida landing in a tree made it seem so easy!

They are equally graceful in flight.

I am lucky to enjoy Great Blue Herons year-round along the Chesapeake Bay. A few days ago, I captured this one on a graceful take-off.

The next one was just off the right of my balcony, down at the riprap. A delight for me on that chilly, dreary day.

I did say how graceful the Great Blue Heron’s landings can be, but on occasion….well….they are just a bit off….. and provide us a chuckle.

Hey, we all have one of those days!

Enjoy your day! Be happy!

Tags: bird, birding, Birds, birdwatching, Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Shore, flight, Florida, Grasonville, great blue heron, heron, landing, Maryland, nature, photographs, photography, photos

40 thoughts on “Great Blue Herons”

Jodi on 03/22/2016 at 9:26 PM said:

Wowza!

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:32 AM said:
  
  A majestic bird for sure! 🙂
  
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avian101 on 03/22/2016 at 9:50 PM said:

Wonderful captures Donna! 🙂

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:32 AM said:
  
  Thanks, HJ!
  
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quietsolopursuits on 03/22/2016 at 10:52 PM said:

I know that I’m repeating myself, but beautiful photos of beautiful birds! Well done!

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:33 AM said:
  
  Thanks, Jerry! They are a treat to see and photograph regularly! 🙂
  
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circadianreflections on 03/23/2016 at 12:55 AM said:

LOL! I’ve seen both sides too, and mostly they’re spot on graceful, and stick the landing every time. But since I’ve watched them ever so still, and patient waiting for their prey, THEN with deadly aim nail their prey for hours and hours over the years I have come to respect their skill and deadliness, and give them a wide berth. I think they could easily take me out…which I’m not so comfortable with!

I love the warm light, and timing of your images. Your skill as a birding photographer is amazing! I want to have your timing when I grow up! 🙂

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:38 AM said:
  
  I know what you mean! GBH’s have an intense stare, making you think they’re giving you warning to not come so close, or else! lol When they are still, and they can be still it seems like hours, they are an easy subject to photograph. Over the last few years, they are one of the birds that has taught me great patience. Something I needed in my hectic life, lol. 🙂
  
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Laura (Createarteveryday) on 03/23/2016 at 4:21 AM said:

These photos are stunning, Donna. Wow! I’m blown away. Itching to draw nearly every one! Thank you! 💜💜💜

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:40 AM said:
  
  Thanks, Laura! I love giving you a scratch to itch!! hee hee 😉 I do love photographing GBH’s, they’ve definitely taught me patience in photography and life. And it was Mom’s favorite bird, so my love for them is twice as nice. 🙂
  
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  - Laura (Createarteveryday) on 03/28/2016 at 7:46 AM said:
    
    Makes it even more perfect. They are really amazing creatures. Thanks for sharing them with us, Donna!
    
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v4vikey on 03/23/2016 at 4:38 AM said:

Fabulous photography……………

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:41 AM said:
  
  Thanks so much! 🙂
  
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belindagroverphotography on 03/23/2016 at 6:56 AM said:

They are amazing birds, terrific photographs.

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:43 AM said:
  
  They are one of my favorites, and usually an easy bird to photograph. Much easier than the little land birds for sure! lol Thanks Belinda!
  
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kathydoremus on 03/23/2016 at 7:09 AM said:

Really great pictures!

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:44 AM said:
  
  Thanks, Kathy! 🙂
  
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Beth on 03/23/2016 at 8:33 AM said:

Oh yes….I have had those “one foot” days and now I have an image to go with it!! These are amazing birds. Thanks for sharing the captures of them. hugs

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:47 AM said:
  
  Sometimes I have one of those days too, lol. The GBH is one of my favorites to photograph. Thanks Beth! hugs
  
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Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat on 03/23/2016 at 9:16 AM said:

Beautiful photos. Heron’s are so much fun to watch and you’ve captured them beautifully.

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:49 AM said:
  
  Thanks Maralee! With their majestic stance and stillness, they do teach a photographer a lot of patience waiting for them to move, as you know! 🙂
  
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Marla aka Crazy Mom on 03/23/2016 at 11:43 AM said:

Oh my goodness! Wonderful photos! AND that last photo did provide a chuckle.

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 7:51 AM said:
  
  Thanks Marla! I have one of those days mis-stepping a lot, so I can relate! lol 🙂
  
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Janes Heartsong on 03/23/2016 at 1:30 PM said:

I enjoy watching and photographing these birds. had no idea how light they are. Good captures, Donna!Have a Happy Easter weekend.

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 8:17 AM said:
  
  GBHs are one of my favorite birds also. 🙂 Nice to hear from you recently, Jane, I’ve been missing your blog, hope to see some of your wonderful photos soon! Have a Happy Easter weekend also.
  
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anotherday2paradise on 03/23/2016 at 2:43 PM said:

Oh, my favourite bird of all time! Wonderful shots, Donna. That last one really made me giggle. 🙂

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 8:18 AM said:
  
  Thanks, Sylvia, one of my favorites too. 🙂 That last one is how I feel on some of my off-balance days of life! 😉
  
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Lisa Rest on 03/23/2016 at 3:39 PM said:

Delightful!

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 8:19 AM said:
  
  Thanks, Lisa!
  
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Gunta on 03/23/2016 at 4:15 PM said:

Especially loved that last one. I can relate since I’m pretty klutzy myself! 😉

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 8:31 AM said:
  
  I can relate to that last shot, too! More times than I want to admit!! hee hee
  
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tootlepedal on 03/23/2016 at 5:26 PM said:

You make taking great bird pictures look so easy. I am in awe.

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 8:32 AM said:
  
  Not always so easy, and I trash so many more. Your Mr Grumpy is always a gentleman giving you great ops too!
  
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  - tootlepedal on 03/24/2016 at 6:26 PM said:
    
    He is.
    
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Sharon Mann on 03/23/2016 at 5:52 PM said:

Donna, these Blue Herons are so majestic. I must ask you again if I may draw and paint one of your images. 💕

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- bayphotosbydonna on 03/24/2016 at 8:36 AM said:
  
  Yes, please do, Sharon! I’m excited and all smiles, can’t wait to see your fantastic finished painting! 🙂 ❤ ❤
  
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  - Sharon Mann on 03/24/2016 at 8:47 AM said:
    
    Thank you Donna, I will get started! I’ll send you the art before I post. ❤️
    
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Birder's Journey on 04/02/2016 at 7:15 PM said:

What a treat I love watching the Great Blue herons, too, and am especially charmed when they look a little clumsy;-)

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- bayphotosbydonna on 04/03/2016 at 12:41 PM said:
  
  Their little clumsiness makes me feel a little normal when I’m not so gracious. LOL 😉
  
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