Thanks, Ann. I was expecting the heron to fly away but they seemed quite intent on remaining at the place. I could listen to the water and current all day. :)
That last video is stunning, and I enjoyed your poem. We have a resident GBH at Timber Creek, but they are very shy. Once they know I'm on the opposite bank, they fly off.
Agreed on the current, Carole. The water level is quite high and will steadily drop over the coming weeks. Usually, I can walk around that place where the heron is standing. Nice catch on the acrostic ;)
What a stunning bird. This video footage is so peaceful. Last night I heard a heron call for the first time, I've seen them many times but this is the first time I'd actually heard one. Merlin picked it up from my front yard! The heron is officially my bird of the year (and fittingly my first official post on substack) Thank you so much for sharing this moment.
Elegantly beautiful! I like how the golden orange brush in the background and the water's reflection complemented their spear beak. I could watch them all day! Wondering if they caught any fish or frogs in that fast current...
Beautiful post, Neil. The close up of the GBH is outstanding. I really like how the long head feathers are easy to see in this photo, too. Wonderful use of the acrostic and the videos are great moments, poetry in motion and then that ability of the bird to stand stock still in a swift current.
Wonderful poem and pics of the GBH! (I noticed the Great and the Blue but the 'here on' slipped passed me, thanks for pointing it out.) I love seeing the power of the river too - I don't spend any time near big rivers like that.
Well, with any luck, all four will have returned. It’s still so windy and rainy this spring so I havent been yet. I call the blue heron my spirit animal. I painted this watercolor a few years ago, PREENING. I'm due to paint another! You've inspired me.
Neil, This heron is just absolutely stunning with it's breeding plumage! Oh my! Thank you so much for sharing your sighting and your time spent with this beauty and peacefulness.
Thanks, Pamela. I was really fortunate to see this heron that morning. I was a nice peaceful few moments being riverside. Hopefully I am able to meet up with them again in the coming weeks and months.
Beautiful shot. And the sound of water…🧡
Thanks, Brian and much appreciated.
I often use the Heron as a role model for meditation.
A good role model, Peter. They do have that manner and spirit about them.
What a fine meditation teacher. To hold that stillness with such equanimity-- right next to the raging current. Gorgeous . . . so gorgeous, Neil.
Thanks, Ann. I was expecting the heron to fly away but they seemed quite intent on remaining at the place. I could listen to the water and current all day. :)
That last video is stunning, and I enjoyed your poem. We have a resident GBH at Timber Creek, but they are very shy. Once they know I'm on the opposite bank, they fly off.
Thanks and much appreciated. Hoping your local GBH allows some close photos in the near future. You're right though, they can be quite shy.
It looks like that river has quite a current but the heron doesn’t seem to be fazed! Thanks for the virtual hike, and yes, I noticed the acrostic.😊
Agreed on the current, Carole. The water level is quite high and will steadily drop over the coming weeks. Usually, I can walk around that place where the heron is standing. Nice catch on the acrostic ;)
What a stunning bird. This video footage is so peaceful. Last night I heard a heron call for the first time, I've seen them many times but this is the first time I'd actually heard one. Merlin picked it up from my front yard! The heron is officially my bird of the year (and fittingly my first official post on substack) Thank you so much for sharing this moment.
Thanks, Melissa. That loud squak sound can be surprising! They're a great bird to choose for a bird of the year. Happy to share.
Elegantly beautiful! I like how the golden orange brush in the background and the water's reflection complemented their spear beak. I could watch them all day! Wondering if they caught any fish or frogs in that fast current...
Thanks, Joni! They're a sight to see with that spear beak in action. I'm hoping to see more of them in the coming weeks.
The great blue herons
Left marshlands, nearby
Gone north, gracing
Other shores and sky
But I,
I still commune
With the white ones.
Beautifully poetic, Kim
Beautiful post, Neil. The close up of the GBH is outstanding. I really like how the long head feathers are easy to see in this photo, too. Wonderful use of the acrostic and the videos are great moments, poetry in motion and then that ability of the bird to stand stock still in a swift current.
Thanks, Heidi. I was trying to get those long string-like head feathers in the photo...took me a few tries! Nice catch on the acrostic. ;)
Wonderful poem and pics of the GBH! (I noticed the Great and the Blue but the 'here on' slipped passed me, thanks for pointing it out.) I love seeing the power of the river too - I don't spend any time near big rivers like that.
Thanks, Lindsay. I thought I'd pay a little bit with the initials and words.
The current was definitely moving quickly that morning and the water level had peaked. Normally I can walk around where the heron was standing.
Your photos are beautiful!
Thanks, Maureen and much appreciated. I was really fortunate as this heron was very patient.
Yes, they're quite skittish! I'm looking forward to seeing them here on my next paddle on the lake.
Hopefully you get to see one and that'd make for a great experience looking at the heron from the water rather than the shoreline.
Well, with any luck, all four will have returned. It’s still so windy and rainy this spring so I havent been yet. I call the blue heron my spirit animal. I painted this watercolor a few years ago, PREENING. I'm due to paint another! You've inspired me.
Beautiful respite.
Thanks and a nice respite with the sounds of the river.
Beautiful bird. Such great photos. I don't think I've ever seen a "bad" photo of a Great Blue Heron.
Thanks, James. The herons do pose so well. This one was a very patient subject.
Neil, This heron is just absolutely stunning with it's breeding plumage! Oh my! Thank you so much for sharing your sighting and your time spent with this beauty and peacefulness.
Thanks, Pamela. I was really fortunate to see this heron that morning. I was a nice peaceful few moments being riverside. Hopefully I am able to meet up with them again in the coming weeks and months.
May they be there again for you Neil!
This is a lovely thing to photograph. I always try to catch them of photos:)
Thank you, Davor. They are a sight to see and this heron was very patient allowing me to catch some photos.
beautiful herons. there is something magical about them.
Thanks, Debbie and agreed, there is something magical about herons.