I knew it was a Great BLUE Heron but I had no idea! I had the day off due to working all day last Sunday. The day dawned sunny with heavy dew and a bit of haze, perfect for a little nature hike. As I walked a trail at Hinckley Lake, I spooked a heron fishing near the shore. It took flight and, camera at the ready, I squeezed off a series of shots. Examining the images later I was impressed at just how blue the bird looked in the shadow. The reason? It is illuminated almost entirely by light scattered down from the clear blue sky overhead. The next image, recorded less than a second later, shows us a bird of a feather more like what we are used to seeing: blue-gray.
PhotonStopper 
Great Scott, these are beautiful!
That coloring is amazing on the first picture. Amazing the difference in color. Great reflexes to take the pictures so quickly. That first picture with the reflection is incredible.
Thanks. I love finding beautiful scenes and sharing them! — JG
I was astonished at the coloration and change when I first noticed it back at home after the hike. This bird gave me very little time to observe before it took flight so I was happy to get what I did. The change of light and color was a true bonus! — JG