Great blue herons are elegant waterfowl with extensive beautiful plummage. While the great blues appear to be grey when at rest, their under feathers are more blue with white accents. Perhaps more so than other birds, their observed coloration appears to depend quite a bit on surrounding color and light "temperature". As this heron is approaching a landing on the stump, its feathers are highlighted by the low morning sun and reflection off the muddy water with contrast by the darkened shoreline.