Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes at dusk at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a weathered log stretches across the pond from left to right. At the left of center, a heron stands on one leg, intent on the water below as it hunts. The scene is almost perfectly mirrored on the pond's surface, reflecting both the bird and the branch. Soft, twilight clouds and the deepening blue of the twilight sky ripple gently in the water. It's a striking, contemplative scene-capturing the quiet beauty of the natural world.

A great blue heron fishes at dusk at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #Reflections #Robins
#ECK #EastCoastKin #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #birdphotographyl

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes at a state park in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a heron stands in mid-leg–deep water while foraging along St. Vrain State Park. It faces the camera with a slight left profile visible, its head and beak angled downward in an intense, focused gaze. Its reflection is nearly perfect in the still water. The background features a mix of last year’s cattails and fresh new growth.

A great blue heron fishes at a state park in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #Reflections #Robins #ECK #EastCoastKin #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #birdphotography

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron preens at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the viewer sees the bird’s upper body in a tight crop near its head. Its beak is tucked behind the graceful backward “S” curve of its neck as it grooms its feathers. The heron’s signature yellow eye remains visible, focused and intent. Wisps of plumage extend from its head, neck, and body, adding texture and character. The background is softly blurred, blending the pond’s water with green foliage from the far shore.

A great blue heron preens at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #LongNecks #Gulls #ECK #EastCoastKin #birdphotography #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #heron #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #herons

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes at sunset in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal black-and-white photograph, the heron appears partially silhouetted and perfectly reflected as it leans over the pond, poised to spear a fish beneath an arched log. This environmental composition reveals the broader scene: still water mirroring trees along the opposite shore and the curved log that emerges at center-left before dipping back beneath the surface at mid-frame on the right. The symmetry of the log and its reflection, combined with the heron’s form, creates the illusion of a face when viewed to the left—some even see a resemblance to the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

A great blue heron fishes at sunset in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdofTheDay #LongNecks #Gulls #ClassicMono #Monochrome #BW
#BlackandWhite #EastCoastKin #ECK #bird #birds #photography #photograph #nature #wetland #wetlands #herons #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes amid rippled reflections that evoke a Claude Monet painting. In this horizontal color photograph, the heron stands in the water slightly left of center. The surface mirrors a fishing pier, though its form dissolves into abstract patterns in the ripples. The scene takes on a painterly quality, reminiscent of Monet's signature style.

A great blue heron fishes amid rippled reflections that evoke a Claude Monet painting.

#FlyDay #BirdOfTheDay #birdphotography #EastCoastKin #ECK #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #heron #herons #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #wetland #wetlands

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron peers inquisitively while perched on a log at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron fills the frame in right profile, with part of its legs and feet cropped out. Its neck curves into a graceful “S,” and the two head plumes lift upward in unison. Wind ruffles its plumage backward as it tilts its head slightly upward, its eye fixed with intense awareness on its surroundings. The background is softly blurred, showing rippled water, the opposite shoreline, and green trees with a faint, shimmering fence line.

A great blue heron peers inquisitively while perched on a log at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#FlyDay #BirdOfTheDay #ECK
#EastCoastkin #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #birdphotography

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron flies low across a pond in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the heron fills the frame in right profile, its wings flared and feathers splayed in all directions as it moves through the air. The background is a textured surface of rippled water.

A great blue heron flies low across a pond in Longmont, Colorado.

#FlyDay #BirdOfTheDay #ECK
#EastCoastkin #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #birdphotography

#birds
#birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron preens in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron perches on a log in right-side profile. Its neck is extended and its head tilted, allowing its beak to reach its chest plumage. The head feathers lift and curl in unison, echoing one another above its crown. The background is softly blurred vegetation from the opposite shore, with hints of beige, green, and earthy tones, along with a strip of rocky shoreline and water along the bottom of the frame. The scene feels serene and quietly beautiful.

A great blue heron preens in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #BlackHeads #Grey #birdphotography #EastCoastKin #ECK #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #heron #herons #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #wetland #wetlands

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron stealthily glides through the water in pursuit of a fish in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the heron and its reflection fill the frame as it wades through body-deep water, glowing a brilliant blue from the sky above. Seen in left profile, the bird leans forward with its neck lowered close to the surface, fully focused as it zeroes in on its prey—an image that feels both intense and beautifully serene.

A great blue heron stealthily glides through the water in pursuit of a fish in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #BlackHeads #Grey #birdphotography #EastCoastKin #ECK #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #heron #herons #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #wetland #wetlands

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron preens in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron fills the frame in right-side profile. Its beak is slightly open, and its neck curves into an elegant “S” shape as both its body and head plumage ripple in gusts of wind. The head feathers move in unison, echoing one another. The background is softly blurred vegetation from the opposite shore, with hints of beige, green, and earthy tones.

A great blue heron preens in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdofTheDay #ECK #EastCoastKin #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons

Feeding time for the baby great blue heron at Wakodahatchee Wetlands, FL.

#birds #birdphotography #greatblueherons

A great blue heron spears a trout with its beak at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the viewer sees the heron’s tightly cropped head and signature S-shaped neck. It has just impaled a wriggling rainbow trout, which thrashes and sends droplets of water flying in the lower right quadrant of the frame. The trout’s mouth is open, with a piece of organic material sticking out like a cigar. The heron’s head plumes flare outward as it shakes its catch violently. The background is softly blurred, rippled pond water. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron spears a trout with its beak at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdofTheDay #snacks #attitude #ECK #EastCoastKin #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #fish #fishing

A great blue heron shows off a bit of sass as it perches in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a heron stands on a log facing the camera, its neck tucked and twisted as its head turns to the right. Its plumage flares outward, giving it a wild, almost electrified look. In reality, the bird is simply lifting its head while preening—but the pose gives it a striking, attitude-filled presence. The background is a softly blurred expanse of wavy pond water. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron shows off a bit of sass as it perches in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdofTheDay #snacks #attitude #ECK
#EastCoastkin #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons

A great blue heron braces itself against the wind while perched on a fishing pier in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron's upper body, neck, and head fill the frame. Across the pond, blurred brown and yellow vegetation creates a soft, muted backdrop. Gusts of wind lift the feathers along its body and sweep the plumes on its head upward and back, giving the bird a wild, electrified appearance. Its piercing yellow eyes are encircled by a vivid periwinkle-violet hue-an intensified breeding coloration that emerges during mating season to help attract a mate. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron hunkers down during a windstorm in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #BestOfTheMonth #ECK
#EastCoastKin #birdphotography #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #heron #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #herons

A great blue heron eases into position to fish as the last light of day fades at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron stands in still water, its reflection mirroring its form below. Its head is centered in the upper half of the frame, while its body occupies the right side. One back leg is bent mid-step, capturing a quiet moment of movement as it stalks its prey. The water, a deep blue, reflects the clear evening sky, adding to the calm, fading light of dusk. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron eases into position to fish as the last light of day fades at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #BestOfTheMonth #birdphotography #EastCoastKin #ECK #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #greatblueheron #heron #greatblueherons #herons

An adult great blue heron sitting in its nest built at the very top of a small tree.

The penthouse nest.
Southeast Texas, March 28, 2026.

#GreatBlueHerons #Birds #Herons #Photography #NaturePhotography #BirdPhotography #Nesting #Birding

A great blue heron displays its striking mating colors and quiet beauty while napping in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a close-up view captures the bird from its body to its head, its eyes gently closed in rest. The area around its eyes is especially vibrant, glowing with saturated blue-violet hues that intensify during mating season to attract a partner. Two elongated head plumes rise and curve away from each other like delicate antennas. The background is heavily blurred and dark, with soft hints of yellow from dried vegetation adding subtle contrast. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron displays its striking mating colors and quiet beauty while napping in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #blue #stripes #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #heron #greatblueherons #herons

A great blue heron flies across a pond at one of my favorite nature areas in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the bird is captured in right-side profile, banking left in mid-flight, with the underside of its wings fully visible. The lower half of the frame is filled with pond water, while a band of cattails stretches across the upper half. Photographed on an overcast day during a light sprinkle, fine white droplets scatter across both the heron and the background, adding depth and atmosphere to the scene. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron flies across a pond at one of my favorite nature areas in Longmont, Colorado.

#FlyDay #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #heron #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #herons

A great blue heron displays its striking beauty in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the composition focuses on the bird’s head, neck, and upper body. Its neck is centered in the frame, while its head tilts downward and its head plumes stream horizontally. The nictitating membrane is just beginning to close, casting a subtle shadow across its eye. The area around the eye appears especially vibrant, a sign of the breeding season. The background is softly blurred, with warm yellow vegetation accented by hints of shadow. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron displays its striking beauty in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #heron #greatblueherons #herons

#birds #greatblueherons #naturephotography

I didn't expect to find this fellow in an industrial city like Pittsburgh. When I went for a walk in the Lawrenceville neighborhood in the fall of 2023, this guy was near a river in an industrial site.

A great blue heron braces itself against the wind while perched on a fishing pier in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron's upper body, neck, and head fill the frame. Across the pond, blurred brown and yellow vegetation creates a soft, muted backdrop. Gusts of wind lift the feathers along its body and sweep the plumes on its head upward and back, giving the bird a wild, electrified appearance. Its piercing yellow eyes are encircled by a vivid periwinkle-violet hue-an intensified breeding coloration that emerges during mating season to help attract a mate. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron hunkers down during a windstorm in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #tricolour #YearRound #ECK #EastCoastKin #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #birdphotography

A great blue heron fishes along the bank of a pond in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the heron stands in the lower-left quadrant at the water’s edge, wading as it moves into position to fish. Its head is tilted upward, alert and aware of its surroundings. Only a narrow strip of the pond appears in the foreground, while the background reveals a rocky shoreline—exposed by low water levels—and last season’s cattails. The final rays of sunlight illuminate the heron and select patches of cattails, while most of the vegetation remains in shadow, helping the bird stand out. The overall color palette is soft and muted. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron fishes along the bank of a pond in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #tricolour #YearRound #ECK #EastCoastKin #bird #birds #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons #birdphotography

A great blue heron preens while wading in shallow water at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron and its reflection fill the frame. Shown in left profile, its neck bends and twists gracefully as it uses its beak to groom its body. The bird stands in roughly a foot of water, which reflects the blue sky above. A faint ripple disturbs the otherwise still surface, hinting at the heron’s quiet movement. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron preens while wading in shallow water at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #Preeners&Scratchers
#EastCoastKin #ECK #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons

Two tree swallows displaying courtship rituals, like a feathered serenade. One is perched on the wire, looking cool as the other swoops by with wings spread and a vocal call, as if trying to impress with its dramatic flair. Their fancy interactions are key to forming bonds for nesting and raising chicks.

Two tree swallows caught in a playful tangle on a wire, with wings spread wide as if one is giving the other a piggyback ride during their amusing mating antics.

Two great blue herons in a tree nest, facing off with extended necks, like they’re having a staring contest. They snap their bills and perform intricate courtship rituals, building the unbreakable partnership required to raise the next generation.

Two great blue herons perched in a nest, like nature’s dinner theatre. One heron is standing over the nest with wings spread, performing an over-the-top neck-stretching routine and moaning calls, hoping to impress the crowd. These fancy displays are crucial for forming the power couple needed to raise their little heron stars.

Today’s #BirdOfTheDay, picked by Rob @robcrank68.bsky.social, is #MarriedCouples. This spring has been full of bird romance. From #TreeSwallows serenading to #GreatBlueHerons' fancy displays, It’s pure avian entertainment! #Birds #birdoftheday #Tuolumne

Commentary in alt.

A great blue heron swallows a large fish at my favorite nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron fills the frame from its upper body through its fully extended neck. Its beak is slightly open, with the tail of the fish still visible. The background is softly blurred, showing shoreline rocks and the shallow water where the heron stands while fishing. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron swallows a large fish at my favorite nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOtTheDay #LandMeetsWater #EastCoastkin #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #photographs #photo #photos #nature #wetland #wetlands #greatblueheron #heron #greatblueherons #herons

Alan's @alan678.bsky.social #BirdOfTheDay theme is #GreyDay any bird with grey in their plumage, any bird photographed in rain or with a grey background.
For #BadPictureDay I have so many choices, 🙄🫤
but here washed out in a sea of #grey are #GreatBlueHerons and a #BeltedKingfisher #ECK #Bird #Canon

A great blue heron fishes at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron is cropped from mid-body upward, its neck stretched out and its beak wide open as it stands in the water. Its head feathers flip into the air as the bird shakes its head back and forth, as if it has just caught a fish. The heron’s nictitating membrane is closed. This membrane, also known as the third eyelid, is a transparent or translucent layer found in some animals that moves across the eye to protect and moisten it while still allowing vision. The background is rippled pond water reflecting the dark gray tones of a cloudy day. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron fishes at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #GreyDay #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons

A great blue heron perches on a fishing pier at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the heron’s head fills the frame in left profile. Gusts of 24-mph wind curl the feathers around its head and push its plumage outward, lifting and twisting the feathers beneath its beak. Its beak appears peeling and weathered, and faint marks suggest scars that may be healing from possible fighting during the mating season. The background is a soft bokeh of blurred yellow vegetation across the pond, creating a muted backdrop. The heron’s piercing yellow eye is encircled by a vivid periwinkle-violet hue—an intensified breeding coloration that appears during mating season and helps attract a mate. Photo by Kort Duce

A great blue heron perches on a fishing pier at a local nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

#BirdOfTheDay #HeadShots #bird #birds #birdphotography #photography #photograph #greatblueheron #greatblueherons #heron #herons

A great blue heron stands in shallow water amidst lily pads with its back to the camera and its neck stretched up above, with its head and beak turned to look right. Two lily pads have white blossoms. Photo taken in the Massachusetts Audubon Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk MA.

Was someone talking about #LongNecks today? Take a look around! #BirdOfTheDay #birds #greatblueherons #herons #birdphotography #nature #ECK 🪶