Ready, set ...

This great blue heron seemed to have spotted a movement in the water and was prepared to strike. But the moment passed and it again lowered its wings and stood up straight.

On the day I took this photo, fishing conditions were quite poor for this majestic bird. It waded slowly in the shallow murky water looking for prey. A steady wind kept the surface of the water in constant motion, making it difficult for the big bird to see clearly into the depths. I watched for more than an hour as it fished without success.

Great blue herons have very good eyesight and are excellent fishers as they stand motionless waiting for a small fish, crawdad or other small water creature to swim close by. But Mother Nature often changes the game, as in this case, providing extra protection for her unsuspecting, vulnerable creatures.