Tuesday, October 11, 2011

In the Company of Herons

It was probably the last sighting of the season and a rare treat too - I had not seen a heron in several days and had come to the melancholy conclusion that they were gone until springtime rolls around again.

This "Great Blue" (Ardea herodias) was standing on a rocky ledge near the edge of the falls in Almonte yesterday, and he or she was utterly concealed by the towering rocks of the gorge - could not be seen from anywhere on the shoreline.

It was only when I reached the railing of the balcony at the power station and looked down over the edge that I could see the ardent fisherman standing there patiently in the deep shade of twilight.  Not the best of circumstances for photography by any means, but the heron was simply magnificent, and I had to try.  

The frothy white "stuff" in the background here is the thundering waterfall itself.  The roar of the water was almost deafening, but somehow or other, the moment was one of the most serene and uplifting in weeks, and I could have stood there with the great bird for hours.

9 comments:

the wild magnolia said...

The Old Wild Mother gifted you this shot, she had mercy on Cate, karma came running to you.

This is a million dollar shot.

SLW said...

Lovely, Cate. I too have not seen enough of herons this season and will miss them, but this was a magnificent moment for you two to share.

Pienosole said...

This is a fabulous photo!

Rowan said...

What a superb photograph - it shows both sides of the Old Wild Mother, the power of the surging waters and the tranquility of the motionless heron. Just beautiful.

Mystic Meandering said...

Oh my goodness! Such beauty. I have not seen a heron all season, so I gasped with delight with your shot and explanation of how you got it. Such good fortune in this sighting. The photo looks like a painting! Definitely a "million dollar shot." :)

Anonymous said...

Magnificent photo!

Tabor said...

A stunning and perfect photo!! Glad you did not risk a fall.

Rain Trueax said...

wonderful

Guy said...

Hi Cate

A lovely shot of the heron.

Regards
Guy