Who would'a thunk it? A Great Blue Heron in the Great White North

As I frequently do, this morning I picked up a coffee at the drive through to enjoy while checking out conditions at the harbour. When I got there, I did a double take. Perched next to the launch ramp was a Great Blue Heron looking out over the mostly ice covered surface. I have never seen a GBH around this time of year and according to the published winter range for this bird, it should not be anywhere near here.

Fortunately, I had some of my gear with me (just in case I found something worth shooting). Conditions were not the best as it was heavily overcast with the odd snow flurry. At least I didn't have to deal with harsh back lighting.

The bird appeared to be resting and I didn't want to get too close and cause it to take flight. I mounted the 1.4xTC between my 400 f/4 DO IS and my 1D Mark IV and grabbed a few record shots, all hand held. Tough conditions to get a lot of detail with that combo, but I played the hand I was dealt.

1. What you see in the background of this shot are gulls sitting on the ice

I think you nailed the IQ - the eyes really pop!
Are those white feathers under his beak, or snow? Thanks for posting, that was a nice series.

Nice shots and good reminders on having a camera handy and avoiding stress for our models.

Those look fine given your shooting conditions, Harvey And wow....that is one cold, lost looking bird.

Wanderlost: The "beard" feathers on these guys are white.

He looks pretty cold Buddy #2 for me!!

Nice shots. That's normal lighting conditions in the nortwest.

Cool shots, no complaints on IQ

Man, are those choice. And does he ever look miserable!
Al

Very nice capture. I especially like the crop on #3.

Our Great Blue Herons seem willing to stick around all winter if the river doesn't get completely frozen over. I've seen them standing knee deep in water when the air temperatures have been -5°F.

That's one cold looking heron, Harvey - nice series

nice shot....

Nice shots Harv...now all ya have to do is figure out how you can get them to your back yard!

That looks like one cold bird!
If these are your shots from poor conditions, some of us have a long way to come

Very nice set Harv!
(we have GBH's out here as well)

It didn't leave because its frozen solid.

These birds are actually pretty cold weather hearty. They don't seem to enjoy it but when the temps drop well below freezing here they look much like the one in your shots. Kind of pitiful isn't it?

Very well done on these Harv. the exposures are dead on and the detail is great.