Nessy
Saturday, August 05, 2006
After growing up in Wisconsin and now having been back here for some years I've finally crossed paths with the Great Blue Heron. I've named this one "Nessy", since he looks like the Loch Ness Monster when he's wading in a small pond in Jacobus Park.I'm guessing he's a "he" because he's the larger of two who have taken up summer residence along the Honey Creek Parkway. Last night I waited for the children and families to clear out of the park at dusk and, right on schedule, he swooped in. I shot this picture with my Nikon Coolpix 4300.
Naturally, I want to believe I have a personal relationship with him. I've watched him feed in the pond and try to scare a family of ducks. The ducks weren't as impressed as I am. He may be on the young side since his wingspan looks to me about 5 feet. They can grow to 7 feet.
The picture, in addition to exposing my limitations as a night photographer, doesn't do justice to his beak.
