Saturday, April 16, 2016

Little Blue Heron in breeding plumage

When I went shopping in Dunnellon, I just couldn't drive past Blue Run Park without stopping.

 

So I grabbed my camera and went for a hike! I was so pleased to spot this Little Blue Heron.

 

It was between the path and the Rainbow River in a marshy area and you can see by this photo how hard he was to spot.

 

I've learned so much from Eileen and Anni and knew right away that the bright turquoise on his bill was part of his breeding colors. He has more color on his neck too.

 

How wonderful to see something so beautiful on my hike short walk! lol

 

I hope you've been able to get out in nature and see something amazing this week too!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE
and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

28 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, gorgeous shots of my favorite heron the Little Blue! They are always a pretty sight to see. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

ann said...

The water birds are beginning to return to the area lakes and ponds here for the summer. We see the blue Herons nesting high in trees near bodies of water. They are not quite as dark blue as your guy and I have yet to get a picture of one. Yours is quite a handsome fellow. Cold and rainy here today with snow on the way. Oh groan. I want to get outside. Enjoy your week end.

Susie said...

Diane, Is that heron a rare breed? I have never heard of seen one like him. Love the blue. You are so good to share these wonderful bird photos. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Linda H said...

What a handsome fellow! So nice that you spotted him!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Thank you for the gorgeous series of images. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, what a pretty little fellow. Such a long beak. It seems that there are many Herons in your area. I don't see them much around here.

Have a very nice weekend, Diane.

~Sheri

Diane said...

Pretty! I've never seen one. We have Great Blues here, and I just saw one at a local lake yesterday. So cool!

Linda Kay said...

So this bird actually gets spruced up for a guy? Imagine that.

sweetbriardreams said...

Such a beautiful bird and you are so lucky to see this. Have a wonderful Sunday xx

Vee said...

He is a very handsome fellow! Good for you to pick him up in all the foliage. Hope his sweetheart does, too.

Deb said...

Great picture Diane, amazing color on his bill, bet he's a hit with the ladies! Deb xo

Debby said...

We have occasional visits on our pond from a Heron. Amazing about his beak.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Oh my, what a pretty bird. I've not seen one before. You did well on your short hike - thanks so much for sharing, sweet friend.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

ARen't they cool

Danice G said...

Beautiful and interesting animal. 'Did not know about the blue beak. Thanks for sharing :)

Jeannie Marie said...

The weather has been gorgeous too, I should get out! What great photos!

Inger said...

What a gorgeous bird! That's a great capture.

Anonymous said...

Striking colors! Thanks for taking that walk and sharing the beauty with us. Have a nice week.

Maggie Ann said...

Your Heron is a beauty! You header picture is so lush and tropical looking. What a pretty place. You have such nice times. 😊 We are having evangelistic meetings this week and the preaching is great. Tomorrow I hope to watch 'call the midwives' on the pbs app. They are on season 5 now, episode 3. Hope you have a nice day!

Stephanie said...

Beautiful pictures, my friend! I always enjoy seeing the wildlife in your area.

Have a great week! Hugs!

Pat said...

Great capture ! Can't get that close to any herons in my neck of the woods. Do have some shots from Florida.

Phil Slade said...

He's a gorgeous lttle chap but I with those colours I can see how might just melt into the vegetation. Well spotted and nice camera work.

Sam I Am...... said...

What a gorgeous bird! You take such great photos!

A Colorful World said...

Your Little Blue Heron is wonderful!

shortybear said...

lovely pictures

Debbie said...

hehehe, i don't "hike" either, my walks are short!!! this was a great find and your pictures are awesome!!!!

Hootin Anni said...

He is so very handsome in his 'Loving me Up' colors!!! Wonderful array of images of this elusive heron.

Again, I'm in my personal blog admin, Hootin' Anni's, but I wanted to stop by and visit to view your bird shares...thanks for linking in this week at I'd Rather B Birdin'. Your participating is always so appreciated.

NatureFootstep said...

gorgeous images of the Little Blue :)