Heron morning routine

[thouc]

Early morning big yawn


Nah, too early. Back to sleep


Over an hour later, some morning grooming


Soon after it was time to fly off to work.

[Dinusaur]

Wonder if he slept an extra hour Sunday morning as DST ends . Cool set of photos.

[thouc]

These were taken a month ago, so I'm not sure if he's still around.

[Ally]

Was it really over hour later, or the sun came out on the third photo?

[thouc]

Yes, it was over an hour. I passed by it again on my way back.

[Shortsighted]

I know an hour is a long time but just once I'd like to stand there the whole time
and mimic every move the heron makes, from yawning to grooming. Not only mimic
but do so simultaneously. Eventually the heron may mimic you out of jealousy that
your morning repertoire is so much more varies and nuanced. Ah, a moment of
inter-species communication, even if it is rivalry.

[thouc]

I guess being in tune with the birds help you get those great pictures.

[Shortsighted]

Thanks ... I think.
Having a bird brain helps to understand a bird brain.
I believe that once you get past a certain level of edification concerning
the avian world and its intricacies the knowledge may get in the way.
Know your subject, for sure, but don't think too much because it shows
in your expression and behavior and that pisses-off some birds. If you
act clueless and helpless they have pity on you and approach. Part of acting
dumb is being quite still or by avoiding a direct stare at every movement that
grabs your attention.
 
Use your peripheral vision instead and act unconcerned and uninterested,
like when you are doing yard work and are too busy to pay attention to birds.
They can sometimes approach quite close because they know you are preoccupied.
Its funny how they seem to know. Even when I'm busy shooting a subject in one
direction another subject will appear behind me at close proximity without fear
or trepidation. I have may back to it and therefore I'm not looking at it. When I
slowly turn looking downward in respond to a peripheral signal and then raise my
lens the visitor remains more curious then scared.