For the 100th edition of Wild Bird Wednesday hosted by Stewart, instead of re-posting some previous images, I thought I would share one of my favourite subjects, the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). During a very recent stroll around a local watery location I came across a juvenile patiently waiting at the waters edge.
It then started its preening ritual so I thought this was a good opportunity to get some close ups that clearly demonstrate the flexibility of that long neck.
Preening is an essential behaviour, second only to feeding, and is often observed both in the field and in your garden. It is the bird's way of keeping all those of thousands of feathers in tip top condition. It involves removing dirt and parasites and then aligning each individual feather in the optimum position relative to each adjacent one .... definitely not a quick and simple task.
Linking to I'D-Rather-B-Birdin', Nature Notes and Wild Bird Wednesday.
rumpled up teenager... :)
ReplyDeleteHI Frank yes these are lovely close ups of the grey heron.
ReplyDeleteGreat series!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, these are splendid! We don't have this particular heron, so this is really wonderful to see. Great focus on the feathers.
ReplyDeleteLovley post ,Nette
ReplyDeleteLooks like it had a bit of a job on sorting that lot out Frank?...[;o)
ReplyDeleteOo, wonderful shots !
ReplyDeleteTypical teenager then. It's amazing how much time they use to look good.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful again, it is fantastic, love it.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of the grey heron youngster!
ReplyDeleteI also is very fond of this herons. We have them here in Sweden as well.
Greetings Pia
Marvelous series!!!
ReplyDeleteAren't they gorgeous!!
And the detail in the feathers you managed to capture is outstanding.
Hootin' Anni
and
Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'
Beautiful bird and a great series of photos. Preening must be really important to birds because it's the only time birds seem to ignore the photographer and just get on with their own business!
ReplyDeleteLooks like he needs a bit of preening...
ReplyDeleteGreat series on your Grey heron!
ReplyDeleteI always love to see these birds. Their form is so graceful.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures! My, he has a thick coat of feathers!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Frank with good info and wonderful photos of the heron. Thank you for linking into Nature Notes... Michelle
ReplyDeleteInteresting and we'll-documented study of this essential behavior.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely subject for your photos! I love seeing these guys, although I don't see them often.
ReplyDeleteYou got some really super close-ups Frank. Our local herons aren't nearly so obliging.
ReplyDeleteThese are all just beautiful Frank!
ReplyDeletethey really look like a mess during the process. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE Herons! Such a wonderful series of photos, Frank!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely time to learn more about birds....big, little and in-between..... I love to see them, but don't know enough about them....
ReplyDeleteBeaut fun seeing them doing their ablutions :D)
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate all your visits and kind comments. I have to admit that not all our Herons are that obliging but it had other things on its mind at the time!.
Cheers ... FAB.
If that is a teenaged female and she sees her reflection, this process could take days! Great series!
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