Blue Heron keeping his wings stretched and ready for flight!!!!
This friendly guy was photographed at Bosque Del Apache game preserve back this past summer.
It is only January which means for us at least another couple months of winter. I know for you who live in colder climates are probably saying “So”? But, I am so ready for warm weather and the return of birds, bugs, blooms and all the beauty that comes with the warmth. I just can’t seem to appreciate the winter and the cold. As I get older my bones & body ache a little more than usual and I have a hard time even exposing my hands to hands to the elements. Call me a wuz, I’ll get over it…..and then it comes to mind that the cold is just another tactic that resistance uses to keep me from moving forward.
“The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew everyday” ….Steven Pressfield
I think it really has nothing to do with weather, but more to my giving in, finding justification and excuses for not doing the work……en theos†††††jim
Shades of Gray - Denison TX 
No. If he’s standing on one foot as he appears to be, he’s stretching the other leg out under his right wing. That’s an indication that he’s suddenly pleased by something or that he’s feeling really pleasantly surprised. I think it’s surprise or excitement because his eye is pinned. This is an absolutely beautiful portrait, and you captured a rare moment for a photographer of birds. 🙂
George……thanx for the details about the Heron, I always love to learn. And he was surprised (or mad) as a Red Wing Blackbird kept diving on him. even have an image of the Red Wing actually sitting on his back………..en theos…jlawrence