While in Portland this weekend, we stayed near the Columbia River.
I took several walks along the river and spotted these Great Blue Herons. I understand they are fairly common in this area, but I hadn’t seen once since growing up in Minnesota a number of decades ago. So I was thrilled to be able to photograph this beautiful bird.
I had hoped to catch one if flight but mostly they just stood in the bushes in the water. When one finally did take off, I wasn’t quite prepared so those photos aren’t as sharp as I’d like them to be.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
Lovely images, Maralee.
Thank you, Mike.
They are difficult to capture . . . at least I find them so; they don’t let me get close enough.
I was on the top of a steep hill for these shots and couldn’t get too close. I’m sure if I’d tried I’d have either fallen in the river or the bird would have flown away.
Fantastic! love these birds! Great job!
Thank you very much.
Beautiful pics!
Thank you, Judy.
Fantastic images. I can never get that close to them here, but you were treated to the insanely frustrating “butt shot”… 😉
I waited quite a while for it to move but it just stood there keeping one eye on me.
I love a heron picture so these gave me great pleasure.
Thank you very much. I was so happy to have spotted it. They blend in with the brush pretty well.
Wonderful series of the GBH, your close-up is stunning!
I don’t know what to say, Maralee … the whole gallery is so good.