A handsome Blue Heron moved into the pond by our home last spring. He’s quiet, elegant and very polite. A sterling example of the perfect neighbor.
This summer he allowed me to get fairly close and shoot a few of his dashing poses.
It was about 100 degrees and his beak was open. So I just assumed he was panting. After a little research I learned that I was close in my theory, but technically wrong.
Please pause for your random wild animal fact for the day: This open mouth display is actually called gular fluttering and is a response to heat-stress which helps the bird regulate his body temperature. In case you’re wildly curious – cormorants, pelicans, owls and nighthawks similarly indulge in this cooling behavior.
Back to our Heron. He took a break from sunning (or roasting?) to leisurely wade in the cool water.
His long legs and regal posture mesmerized me. It seemed every pose was perfect, almost like a graceful Adagio. I couldn’t help but think about all of the art that has been inspired by these statuesque coastal birds and others in the Ardeidae family.
This piece is by the unforgettable artist, Walton Ford. He has created many masterful works of every imaginable creature in the animal kingdom. Check out his story here. NY Mag described his soulful bird watercolors as Audubon-on-Viagra…a remarkably accurate depiction.
Bird art truly is lovely.
{elle decor}
I love how nature inspires art.
{tracy porter}
For those of you who are thinking about adding classic bird-inspired art in your home, you can do it pretty affordably. Try snagging a vintage book filled with bird prints. Or comb the flea markets for bird sketches and prints and frame them and hang on a single wall in interesting frames.
Here’s one treasure I JUST found on ebay right here. It’s a vintage collection of Audubon books and bird prints. Wow! Someone is going to seriously score there. Let me know if you end up getting it, as it looks like quite a find!
Thanks to our neighborly Heron for today’s inspiration.
QUESTION:
Is there any particular animal or creature that has inspired your art collection or design projects?
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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The blue heron is so beautiful and graceful. What a treat to be able to see them up close and personal. I don’t have any art of animals in my home, other that photos of my two dogs, but love a good display when I see one! Thank you for sharing your special neighbor with us! It really is breathtaking.
“location, location, location” – Mr. Heron surely knows how to pick the best location and neighbors. He is quite striking and debonair.
Whilst I do not have any particular animal that has inspired any art – I do love landscapes.
pve
The heron is just beautiful. I can’t say that a particular animal has inspired my taste, but it’s something to consider!
Love those pics! I’m a big fan of bird art as well. With you living on the coast, I’m sure it is plentiful both in art and real life. I just started my new blog. Would love for you to pop over and check it out! I’ve been a reader of your blog for years and you and I have actually emailed each other a few times.
what a beauty! Maybe I will get a glimpse of him when we make it back to the beach in October :)
creature that inspires design… do children count?
I love the Blue Heron! and the wall with the print display is fantastic…
Best,
Christina
greige
I have that picture of the bird on the front of that book hanging in my dining room! I love the colors.
Lauren
I love watching Blue Herons, we have a creek below our house and we have an occasional visitor. Are just so neat to watch. I think they look prehistoric when flying.
That tracy porter image is fabulous-like the story of my life :)
Hi Seleta,
Oh, great post! I love herons! My parents’ home is on a river and it is so exciting to see a heron wading/fishing/flying. We would always look for them when I was little – we still do! They are majestic birds. Lucky you!
He’s stunning…adore picture gallery from Elle Decor!!
I love blue herons. We moved to coastal TX from coastal (Lake MI) Wisconsin and the new birds are so mesmerizing. I love them.
I love bird art. I totally have none in my home and don’t know why since I do LOVE it.
I won the Audubon set! Thanks for the heads-up!
Yay, Melisse!!! I’m so glad got the set. Please let me know how it they look when you frame them. Thank you for sharing your news!
xo
seleta
oh wow, these pictures are gorgeous!! excellent job, lady! we have a lot of animal inspired decor in our house, but not a common theme throughout our whole house. it’s more like a tribute to nature in general :) haha