It was the first hot day of the year, right in mid-April. I was at my favorite nature preserve, and a great blue heron was preening — I imagine discarding old feathers not only for new growth but also appreciating the extra ventilation — and sticking close to the pond’s edge. Here and there, he’d splash around a bit. Those got me some fun photos, but the keeper was when he happened to emerge from the water perfectly aligned with my view, drops of water flying every which way. During one of his quieter moments, I’d set my exposure settings to a faster shutter speed, and that is why this one, the moment after he breaks the surface to cool off on such a warm day, is a photo I love.

April 15, 2023. Cropped from a larger image. Nikon D850 (FX sensor), Tamron 100–400mm at 400 mm, f/8, 1/750, ISO 800.