Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

12th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Blue Awkward Grace

This is a Blue Heron, late in the day, landing in a tree in an oceanside harbor. Although the tree (not depicted) would have provided context my attention was on the bird who was peculiarly graceful and goofy at the same time. This is a big bird with a long neck, huge wingspan and big feet. It doesn't make sense on paper but looks terrific in the sky.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2013
Date Uploaded: 11.2014
Photo Location: Oceanside, California, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D600
Copyright: © Rob Rosenbaum