In the Chesapeake Bay region where I grew up, it’s not uncommon to see stately Great Blue Herons in and around bodies of water. These beautiful birds, with their huge wingspans and lovely feathers, are a frequent subject in many photo collections. The challenge is capturing a photo that shows a unique side of this somewhat common bird.

Great Blue Heron territorial battle at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron territorial battle at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron in flight at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron in flight at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron catching a twofer at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron catching a twofer at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron preening at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron preening at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron dueling bills at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron dueling bills at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron wing stretch at Blackwater NWR, MD

Great Blue Heron wing stretch at Blackwater NWR, MD

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