Great Blue Heron, Mustatatuck NWR

Today was a very overcast day, however, I had taken the day off, and after much deliberation, I decided late morning I would make a trip to Mustatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in southern Indiana to check out the wildlife.

With fewer visitors frequenting on Monday, I hoped I might find more wildlife in the swamp area of the refuge. In particular, I wanted to see a heron or two. Normally, the herons stand farther away from the road in the swamps, and unless you have a longer lens, getting a great image is difficult.

As I drove along the main road between the two major swamps, I nearly drove right by a Great Blue Heron standing in the swamp very close to the road. I abruptly stopped the car, thinking now he's going to move on. Nope. He stood for a few more minutes before taking flight and moving on down to the edge of the swamp. Before he did, however, I was able to lower the window and take a few images.

I'm of the opinion that herons have a more regal stance than most birds. Their long legs and their long necks just add to their graceful look. When they go to take flight, it's amazing to watch them.

Every time I visit Mustatatuck, I always drive through this main area which has two large swamps with a gravel road running between the two. There are at least 7 or 8 swamps in the refuge. Most of which are accessible by car or foot. ENJOY!