lirralirra

Sometimes graceful, sometimes gangly, sometimes at the beach, the wetlands, the poo paddocks, regular paddocks or even my garden – always fascinating!

I was stoked to capture this portrait. The heron’s fluffed up feathers around its face and neck make it look quite different than its usual sleekness. It was in the middle of a post-preening shake, there are some tiny, downy fluffs at the end of its bill.

I love watching these birds moving their necks, snake-like, as they stalk. Swaying just their necks, side to side, hypnotically mimicking the movement of reeds, and then they strike.

They are so intent as they forage. I have images, poor ones, of them eating skinks, fish and worms.

They’re often seen foraging at the edges of shallow waters, salty or fresh.

The shot above is super-heavily cropped but its the only one I have showing a tongue.

And, at the end of a long day, they fly back to their roosting sites in the low, warm light of the setting sun.


Happy birding, Kim

~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group  Ethical Bird Photography