Arising early this morning, I headed out for LSU Lakes to hopefully see some new birds in different light. Unfortunately, I found the Green Heron deceased just outside his little enclave by the golf course. He'd been there for some time, as ants were already at work on his face. I could see no obvious wounds. Boy was I sad!

I drove to another area of the lake and found this Great Blue Heron among the tickseed. My waterproof Merrells came in handy! As I tromped through the weeds towards the pond's edge, I was awestruck by his beauty. I ducked down and watched him for a good 30 minutes. He picked up what looked like a half-eaten catfish, then tossed it back out into the water. 

Being out in nature helps with mindfulness. It's soothing. The world and all its chaos is far away during these quiet moments. When you consider wildlife and all their patient endurance to eat and survive, it puts things into perspective. 

311/366Majestic
400mm | f/7.1 | ISO 320 | 1/1600 sec