Great Blue Herons

Last summer, when I discovered the Refuge, one of the birds I was most interested in was the Heron.  Family story, nothing to see here.
When I looked around the web for other pictures of Herons, mine didn't quite look right.  All the colors matched, the sizes matched and I was sure what I thought was a Heron was a Heron.  But all my shots were sort of bland.  On the web I saw interesting colors and interesting feather patterns.  Stuff I didn't capture.  Until now.
Maybe it is the time of year that brings out the colors?  My only guess, but what ever the reason, I'll take it.
Also, previous shots were mostly taken from the back of the bird.  This one is full frontal.  (Suitable for family viewing.)  I should have a suit that looks this good.

Great Blue Heron Standing

NIKON D7200/70.0-300.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

600 mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640 (Auto)

EV 0, MANUAL MODE, Size: 1.3

This one I watched for a while.  I thought I might get a food shot?  The bird looks like it is searching for lunch.

Great Blue Heron on Mud Bank

NIKON D500 Ver.1.15 /70.0-300.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

600 mm, 1/1000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 450 (Auto)

EV 0, MANUAL MODE, Size: 1.3

This bird was making me laugh a bit.  Looks like he has foul mod face going.

Great Blue Heron on a Log

NIKON D500 Ver.1.15 /70.0-300.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

450 mm, 1/1000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 160 (Auto)

EV 0, MANUAL MODE, Size: 1.3

Last year when I saw these birds, they were quite skiddish.  This year, I could move around a bit.  Again, maybe a seasonal thing.