Peter "Just Loves Flying"

In the weak early morning light, the sky and the water merged together, providing an uncluttered backdrop for this portrait of a Great Blue Heron.

I’ve taken quite a few photos of Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), but rarely have I encountered one as cooperative as this one was early on Monday morning. He looked to be cold and may have been trying to snooze as he huddled near the edge of the boardwalk. He let me get pretty close to him and didn’t seem to object to my presence, though he did follow me with his eyes. As a result of his tolerance, I was able to capture more detail in the heron’s feathers than I usually can manage.

After a few shots, I left him in peace to catch a few more winks.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.

The intricate perfection
of all creation demonstrates
but a portion of Creator’s power.
Stand in awe and reverence for
all life, abusing or neglecting
none for each is of the Divine
and worthy of respect.

What we judge as imperfect
serves a Divine purpose through
its imperfection. Be at peace,
all is as it must be for this
moment in time.

Winklespruit is a small seaside resort north of the mouth of the Illovo River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It forms part of eThekwini. On May 10, 1875 the schooner Tonga which was carrying wares for Durban was wrecked here. 

Nelson Mandela by Sincelor , a photo by Jujufilms on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Artist Sincelor paints this mural as a tribute to Nelson Mandela at the Kamer House Mandela Day event in Fidjrosse, Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Shot by Maasta.

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