Immature Great Blue

This immature Great Blue is growing up! Its dark crest is coming in nicely, and those long stringy feathers on its chest — used both for protection from rough reeds and branches, and for intimidation of other herons — are starting to appear.

   27 August 2023
   Lost Lagoon
   ILCE-7RM5
   1/1600s    f/5.6   297mm   ISO 500
A Great Blue Heron is standing on a small rocky island, surrounded by some scraggly scenery, and staring off into space