This is my closest approach to a Great Blue Heron. It was standing right in front of me on the bank. It didn't flinch upon sighting me which is uncommon for a Great Blue Heron up in these parts. Nature photographers in Florida may be used to this type of tame encounter but for someone living in eastern Ontario it is an uncommon occurance. To get a close-up look at such a magnificent bird was really a treat.

The bird was backlit and the lighting overcast at the time. I wanted to use the Canon 580ex flash for fill but it was holstered in a velcro case. I was afraid the noise of the velcro would scare the heron away so used positive exposure compensation instead. Shot taken handheld with IS engaged.