The Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias is my animal totem, or power animal. This is the bird that has been a constant all throughout my life. From my childhood growing up on Cook's Bay in Keswick to now being drawn to the waterfowl of this area's small lakes and rivers in the St. Clair River watershed. They hunt and live anywhere from open coasts, marshes, sloughs, riverbanks, and lakes to backyard goldfish ponds. They also forage in grasslands and agricultural fields. Breeding birds gather in colonies or 'heronries' to build stick nests high off the ground. I have been to a few heronries in my life, they are always protected and as they are sensitive breeders, very little time is spent there. They have always shown up for me when I need it most, and to not get too spiritual here, they have inspired and guided me in many ways.
I have photographed this gorgeous species many times, but none of my photos has really captured the grace and beauty of how they actually looks in real life. Today on a very hot, muggy and buggy trek around Wawanosh Wetlands I believe that I captured part of their essence.
As I entered and approached the small pond I noticed out of the corner of my left eye that a lovely GBHE was intently fishing. They are usually pretty skittish so difficult to get close. I was able to capture a bit of their intensity.
I continued on my walk, noticing the abundance of mosquitoes (good for the birds, bad for us!) I continued to the bridge between Suncor and Wawanosh, which is always a good birding patch. I quietly and calmly stepped on the bridge and right away noticed a GBHE again fishing. The bars of the bridge where a bit in the way so I got down on my knee and stealthily took some shots. As you can see there is a bit of a backlit issue, but I was just so happy to get a 2nd bird. Great Blue Herons are North America's largest heron, standing up to 5 ft tall with a wingspan of up to 6.5 ft. When they hunt they wade slowly or stand stock still, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields.
I don't like to spend too much time with one subject, as I really don't want to affect the birds behaviour or life , so I took a few steps away and hid a bit behind some branches, the lighting difference was measurable. I find it difficult to get the eye in focus, as their head is so skinny, it is always the goal to get the eye of any living subject in focus. I am really happy with these captures.
They had had enough of me and showed me their beautiful wing plumage.
It was indeed a magical moment and I am forever grateful that they let me into their lives for a few minutes. They did catch a few small fish and it was amazing that I was able to witness this.
These herons are familiar to us and anyone who travels throughout Wawanosh wetlands, but this was the first time that we held space for each other.
I discovered the joy of animal totems year ago through a book by Ted Andrews called Animal Speak. I will quote from his book about the Great Blue Heron totem.
Herons enjoy their own company and are loners. It is rare to see them flocking together. People with this power animal are independent and open to change whenever necessary. They often follow non traditional roles and don't feel the need to keep up with the jones'. They don't require or desire many people in their lives, which can be a bit of a hindrance in personal relationships, especially if the other person is always needy of attention. So as not to become a total loner, some social interaction is good.
Herons know how to take advantage of things and events for their own benefit. Using the heron as an example and studying their actions and non-actions shows us how to perfect our personal flight through life. Once this is mastered then you will know how to take advantage of things and events that most people wouldn't bother with. You know what is best for you, and you should follow that path. Be persistent when opportunities present themselves, don't let them get away from you.
The heron and egret have a strong connection to the Earth element and those with this power animal must be aware and cultivate this connection. Mother Earth is a source of strength and will help you stand firm and strong. It is important for someone with this power animal to learn to stand on their own two feet, to become independent and self reliant.
This bird offers the gift of balance, allowing you to perform many tasks at the same time, keeping all in balance. If one way doesn't work, then another way will, heron and egret people instinctively seem to know this . Meditation on colour will provide insight.
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