As I was sitting at home today focusing on my main autumn altar, my attention was drawn to the heron feather I received recently. As I stared at it, I felt a charge run through me, a longing to see the whole bird. I’ve been trying to decide how best to honor my heron ally, and looking at its magnificent feather stirred my desire to connect more deeply.

Just a moment later, a great blue heron flew into view in her distinctive way that manages to be both gangly and graceful. She folded herself into the trio of tall Douglas firs that frame my panorama. Perching right at my eye level, she caught the light on her large body as the sun emerged from a cloud bank.

Amazed, I held my breath, hoping she’d stay long enough for a real communion. I was afraid to take my eyes off her, so I didn’t even get up to retrieve my binoculars. I thanked her for responding to my need of her. Then I asked her what she had to teach me today.

great blue heron in douglas fir

For the next five minutes or so, she remained perched deep in the boughs of the huge tree, mostly in the shadows. From time to time though, she would suddenly extend her neck to its full impressive length and reach out into the sunshine, looking first one way then the other. Then just as suddenly, she’d retract her neck to about one third its length and reform that distinctive “S” shape.

That felt like a very clear message: there are areas of my life where I need to stick my neck out farther and more often, areas where I might take more risks.

I thanked her again and asked her to wait while I grabbed my camera. I’ve photographed quite a few heron here, but this is the best view I’ve had of her eyes—such a deep yellow, so full of autumn sunshine.

Then the clouds swallowed the sun again, she unfolded herself into the cool gray sky and spread her colossal wings against the chill. I watched as she glided downhill toward the bay, dark blue against dark silver.

I held the heron feather in my hand and felt the brush of her powerful wings against my soul.

CONTEMPLATIONS

• Is there someone or some ally you need to call to you?
• Is there already an ally nearby waiting to share insights?
• Do you need to stick your neck out in some way?
• Are other gifts of heron wisdom swooping into your life today?

You’ll find other posts about bird allies here.