These were taken from my front yard. They are not my best work, but trying to get closer forced this lovely wader to retreat into the trees. The visit was nonetheless an exciting one for me.
Clicking on these will afford a closer and better view! 😉
I really wish this one had been clearer. I am loving that reflection!
NOTE: I have searched for this bird and believe it is the white form of the Great Blue Heron. It was a very large bird!
Below is a link to the standard form of Great Blue Heron for comparison.
Life on the Farmlet 
Yes, that is what we call a great blue heron here. A beautiful bird. Thanks for sharing your excitement over photographing. I know that feeling and love it.
Thank you for the ID confirmation, Julie. 🙂
The distance between us was at least 5oo feet and even with my telephoto lens it was difficult. Perhaps with the tripod it might have been clearer, but I wasn’t sure if I had the time to set up. Still fun though!
It’s definitely a Great Blue, rather than the white variation, which is more purely white.,But what a wonderful visit! I wouldn’t turn either of them away from my front door — or yard. And you’re right about that reflection. it really does make that second photo something special.
Is that slough (or whatever) a normal feature? If it is, you may have lots of water birds around. I’d keep an eye out for kingfishers, too. They like a water-and-woods combination. Any flowers coming up yet?
I have seen the Great Blue in its blue form and comparatively it is very dark. These photos are a trick of shadows and light. Before it retreated into the shade of the trees it was blindingly white with a suggestion of gray across its back.
The slough/swamp area is on the property where the derelict house was torn down. It was always there, but surrounded by wild verge and not in view. I used to see birds come in for a visit all the time before the big cleanup, then after… nothing. It has been a slow event, but the bird’s trust is coming back! The Canadian geese like to nest in the back there too! 🙂
Flowers? Red Maple and Daffodil and some ornamental varieties here and there. Oh yes, and the forsythia in my yard is getting ready to pop! Natives? Only the Red Maples. The bees are going gaga for that!
Whatever the bird, a lovely shot! I share your frustration – whenever I see something lovely to photograph, I’m invariably without the camera, or too far away or manage to disturb whatever it is. One day, I’ll be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time…
Thank you, Kate! My husband says, “The only persons who are in the right place at the right time live with their cameras around their necks!” Sounds uncomfortable if you ask me. 😉
Indeed. Most of the time I have to content myself with ‘mental snapshots’ because the bird in question will zoom off the moment I move.
Exactly so!
It’s a Great Blue Heron. We have them here too along the river. Oddly, a few years back I found a dead one in our pasture and was able to look at it very closely. What an exquisite species and how wonderful it has come to your neck of the woods!!! 🙂
Thanks, Lori! I’m glad that since the great tearing down across the way that the birds are feeling comfortable to return to this water hole. So fun to watch in them early to mid morning.
Yup, a that’s Great Blue alright; and the first thing I thought of when I saw your pic: ) They are such graceful, patient fishers – and totally unmistakeable in flight; )
As it turns out, they’re good froggers too, Deb!
Lol! Well, “fishing” in the broader sense, I guess, hey?; )
Love them, truly cool birds: )
You’ll have to get a little hide (with a nice stove and a comfy chair) set up. That looks like a very promising spot for bird watching.
Actually, Tom, that is precisely what came to mind this morning as I wrote this post. I think it is because of knowing you that I even thought of it. 🙂
Q: How close do I need to be?
As close as you can possibly get if you have a 200 or 300mm zoom. The bigger the birds, the further away you can be but my feeder is only 3 or 4 metres from the kitchen window.
Thank you, Tom. Now to get permission from the property owner to set up shop! 🙂
We have Great Blues in our creek in the back as well. So beautiful and SO big! I think as big as the bald eagles we have nesting nearby!
I did a bit of Photoshopping on your photo and thought I could upload it here in the comments, but am not able to do so. E-mail me at lestersflat@gmail.com and I will send it to you.
Thanks, Katy! Email is on its way!
How exciting! I love it when a new bird visits. Thanks for sharing your joy. I am enjoying the benefits of a better zoom on my new camera but it’s still not like those fancy long tele lens things. I like Tom’s suggestion of making a hide. You never know what else you might see then! 🙂
Yes, I love it too, Jane. In California we tore out our English water guzzling gardens and planted natives. It was amazing how many new birds and butterflies came to visit after the change. Here, it was the opposite. The neighbors bought the property, tore down the rotten house, bulldozed, leveled and planted grass. That was two or three years ago, and the birds just disappeared. However, it is a very quiet spot and they are seemingly getting over the shock of all the changes! The clearing affords me a fine view, even if I can’t get close enough for a good shot. 🙂
I do love that reflection! What a beautiful bird.
They really are exciting to watch and even taller than my geese! It’s the stilts they walk on and that long neck. These birds are waders whereas Polly and Fredric are waddlers and paddlers. 😉
How lovely!
Aren’t they, Julie? They are magnificent birds!
One of my favorites – the Great Blue Heron.
Yes, they are so majestic!