Figure 1 – Great Blue Heron at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, August 3, 2021. (c) DE Wolf 2021.

The great blue herons (Ardea herodias) almost always elicited a gasp of satisfaction and wonder when you encounter them. Here is something unique and truly a privilege to behold – something prehistoric in nature. This morning at the Assabet River National Wildlife refuge I came upon this glorious bird in the marsh grasses with wonderful waterlilies in the foreground. How could I resist. It seemed to demand to be photographed! I was, as always, enthralled.

Canon T2i with Ef 100 to 400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens at 220 mm, ISO 1600, Aperture Priority AE Mode 1/1600th sec at F/7.1 with no exposure compensation.