The Epically Frustrated Blue Heron

On the 4th of July we went to my parents cabin next to a local creek to celebrate the holiday with family.

We took a kayak ride down the creek, and while we thought we’d take just a short jaunt due to the horrid heat and beating sun, we were gone a lot longer than expected.

As soon as we hit the water I was instantly more relaxed and at ease than I’d been in a long time. The quiet rocking of the boat, the sound of the paddles dipping into the water soothed my soul.

We paddled on and on, dazzled by the show of thousands of dragonflies on the water performing their lovers dance. We encountered an adorable family of ducks sunning themselves on a log. They just stared and blinked as we passed within feet of them.

The most delightful encounter for us was a beautiful blue heron, fishing at the creek’s edge. I say it was delightful for us, it was not delightful for the heron. As she glared at us you could almost see the disappointment in her eyes, knowing that our intrusion would mean no meal for her.

When we got close enough to pose a threat, she took off with a great swoop of her wings. She flew off down the creek, honking and quacking the whole way, only to land in the water about a hundred yards up, in the same direction we were heading. When we inevitably caught up to her she took off again, further down the creek. This time she was smart enough to park herself in an inlet, where she could finally hunt in peace. When we passed her this last time she just stared cockily from afar, knowing she’d finally won this battle.

We paddled on down the creek until our arms tired and the deer flies started to bite, then turned back for camp.

I’ve always adored the Blue Heron and revel in any chance to see one. Though I see them on a weekly basis, I still never tire of their beauty.

I decided to paint a portrait of our heron friend with watercolors. It proved significantly more challenging than I thought it would be draw the bird. Their necks are so weird and bendy!

I think I accurately portrayed the disappointment and frustration in her eyes.