While baking cookies, I turned just in time to glimpse a huge dark something fall into the backyard. When I walked over to the window, I saw this slowly strolling on the grass. I reached for my phone, too late. It had perched on the fence.
It hung out there for a few minutes. Carefully strolled from one side to the other. I hurried to get the camera for a decent shot, but I was too late. Again.
So these are as good as they get. From my brief research, I am speculating that this is a heron.
Dark, dusty-looking feathers. Dusty or steely blue. Solitary. Likes to roost in trees. Dark stripe above the eye. Flies with neck curved like an “s”.
Is it a Heron, and Egret or a Crane?
Hope your holiday preparations and plans are pleasantly proceeding!
He looks like one! Theres a heron that seems to be living in the pond next to my horses field and he is there every time i go there, each day i think wheres my camera as he rises into the air like a flying dinosaur! beautiful!
I bet that is a sight to see Sue! I keep looking for this one to come back… but not so far :-/
My husband takes photos of herons all the time. They’re quite skittish, and he has to stalk them. He’ll spend hours doing it..so funny.
Hope you have a happy holiday season, Sheila!! xo <3
Que the Mission Impossible music for the man stalking a Heron! ha ha Thanks so much Katie 🙂 Happy Holidays and an awesome New Year to you, the stalker, and your cute little kitties too!
What a fun mystery figuring out your guest! When I saw the thumbnails, I thought you had done a series of mixed media artworks based on the Heron. That would be beautiful.
What a terrific idea Sandra! Hmmm, I am still trying to think up a theme for Leslie’s painting challenge next month, that could be interesting. And I do need to practice my collage skills…
Happy holidays to you as well. It is not a crane as I see Sandhill Cranes daily in the winter here in NM. They are big, about three feet tall and maybe forty pounds. What do other people think this bird is?
Thanks so much Carol! He did seem taller when he was on the grass. I guess not though, from the steps he took here. So far, two votes for Heron. 🙂
Looks and sounds like a Great Blue Heron to me. They are fascinating birds.
They are Sue, I started reading about them, and the tab is still open so I can read more. Very graceful, and seemingly thoughtful.
I am not sure but heron seems most form like.
Thanks Susan 🙂