If you’ve read this site for a while, you probably know that the Great Blue Heron is a critter I’ve chased with some fervor over the past couple of years. Sometimes my quest has borne some fruit, other times it has ended in futility. That’s why I was startled to come upon this fella while at the Dakota Zoo with my boys a few days ago.

True to form, this bird was quite alert. He locked onto me while I was still far away. That’s why I carry 20 pounds of lenses in my pack!

Even some of the other animals sensed a visitor, as you can see here. The bird didn’t like the idea of being busted, apparently…shortly after this photo was taken, he departed…flying off between the trees in graceful fashion.

I got pretty close to this great blue heron a couple of times, utilizing each time to scrutinize him and work the controls of my camera as well. I was careful to check his legs and feet for a band each time I was close enough: there was no band on either leg, so I think it’s safe to assume this was a gate-crasher.

After I took that last photo of him, he flapped away to parts unknown. Maybe some time down the road I’ll see him or some of the other herons that inhabit this area.