X-Mas came very early for me....

[bromm]

I live about a 1/4 mile from the shore. Now I have seen Great blues in trees, in fields etc.However, I think we have a mentally challanged Great blue. One has been hanging out behind the next door warehouses, and doesnt seem to mind my father in-law starting up his saw gear. This heron has been sighted next to the road, perched ontop of round hay bales etc. but has no problem flying. Well this morning I was watching bald (molting ) red wings picking sunflowers out of the grass beneath my feeder when the great blue waltzed up and passed unconcerned 8 feet from my house. I took these shots through the window of our storm door and included a zoomed out pic which shows the cross bar of the door, just to prove I wasnt mentally challanged..at least on this point!

All shots are full frame, just resized.

#1 through the door

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e286/bromm/IMG_6340-01.jpg

#2 left facing portrait

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e286/bromm/IMG_6341-01.jpg

#2 right facing portrait

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e286/bromm/IMG_6339-01-1.jpg

Judging by the dirt on its beak I'd say it was foraging in the ground for food.
It was quite a sight to see a 3'+ tall bird walk across the lawn, I wish I had taken a picture of my wife when she seen it, priceless!!

Weird how after many hours trying to get close to numerous different GBH's, that one actually comes to me! now, if the local Northern Harrier would come land on my feeder for a photoshoot, I could die happy!! Thanks for looking.

[GTogs]

Great good fortune and well captured through a window!

[bromm]

Thanks Toggs :D

[canonloader]

Well look at him Trevor. He's got a bump on his head. Probably walking around wondering where he's supposed to be. :lol:

Nice shots though. Did you go outside while he was there? Better keep the door closed or he'll be in the fridge.

[bromm]

Well look at him Trevor. He's got a bump on his head. Probably walking around wondering where he's supposed to be. :lol:

Nice shots though. Did you go outside while he was there? Better keep the door closed or he'll be in the fridge.

Nope, didnt go outside, my 4 year old daughter who was standing with me decided to move a little too fast and spooked it :( Thanks Mitch. :D The more I look at it, the more it has the juvie look to it. Maybe its just a confused teenager. :'}

[Booswalia]

Hi Trevor,
I'd say it a juvenile. Remember that one I met up with one in my canoe a while back that let me get within 5 feet of it? It had that "baby" look too.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=359444&highlight=heron

Must have been hilarious seeing Big Bird at your feeder. HA!

[snowyowl13]

Nice shots, Trevor. I've had them land on the barn roof but never had one come that close.

[hTr]

Looks Like a young Bird based on crown, They land in my pasture ponds and forage in the mud for whatever they can find. Nice Shots Trevor.

[bromm]

Thanks Shirley Dan and Gary :D. Majority wins, its a juvie!:D

[EdV]

Sometimes you just don't have to go anywhere for the best shots, Trevor. Mitch is living proof of that. Very nice images. Good presence of mind. And well done.