I saw a group of herons by the lakeside. Now, the Great Blue Heron is a solitary creature during the fall and winter, so this was presumably a group of siblings. At first I notice two together, but in all counted five but not always close together.
Two juvenile Great Blue Herons on the lake.
A heron landing is slowed by dragging feet, but maintained lift by deploying its alula on its wings. The alula are the short feathers in the centre top of the wing. Photo by Cynthia.
Some herons were seen in the the direction of the land.
A characteristic of young birds is that they are frequently curious about humans. This one flew right over me always looking down. When they are older, herons just fly away.
Two days ago, I published a blog that showed a juvenile male Pileated Woodpecker (blog.kootenay-lake.ca/?p=34868). It had only the faintest red moustache and yellow eyes. Now, either it 0r a brother has more developed features.
Thank you Cynthia for the photos and the learnings! I never knew that Great Blue Herons had those short feathers, Alula, on their wings. Brilliant! LOVED the reflections in the water!
Indeed…as you’ve said, Colleen!
Can’t you just see the relationship to dinosaurs in these two bird species?
Alistair..the two juveniles pic – for me…I think I will always remember and remark that this is one of the most amazing shots that you have shared.
Allan
Woodbury Village
These heron pics top for me any of all your amazing bird catches…thanks, Alistair & Cynthia. They’re award-winning. If I were you, I’d submit them to Canadian Geographic Magazine!! These have made my Saturday night! Thanks!!
The reflections in the lake are amazing. Certainly award winning
superb pics
Agree with all, and Allan says it best. WOW it is!