The Greeks believed the heron was a messenger from beyond. The big bird was thought to have been sent by Athena and Aphrodite, the goddesses of wisdom and love. It was considered an affront to harm one in any way, as that would be like harming the goddesses themselves. The bird corresponds with the hermit card in the tarot, a introspective loner. I think we can all identify with this during our covid lockup. Will the bird teach us about becoming watchful and patient? Will we be able to adapt to change, to soar?
These birds are opportunistic feeders that can hunt day and night. The eat mostly fish, but can also enjoy mice, insects and voles. They are surf and turf inventors, who use their daggar like beak to seize and spear food. They nest in huge colonies, and are serial monogamists, staying with the same mate for each breeding season. Apparently these “heronries” are very stinky places, as uneaten fish and poop pile up under the nests. The heron manages to stay clean because it’s chest feathers produce a fine powder that the bird preens through its feathers and then uses it’s middle toe like a washcloth to remove fish slime and oils.
I liked the peaceful and cool colors of this small composition. The lone figure patiently waiting for its meal to swim by is a great metaphor for all of us who are waiting for real nourishment and love.
Daily Painting, day 7
The Greeks believed the heron was a messenger from beyond. The big bird was thought to have been sent by Athena and Aphrodite, the goddesses of wisdom and love. It was considered an affront to harm one in any way, as that would be like harming the goddesses themselves. The bird corresponds with the hermit card in the tarot, a introspective loner. I think we can all identify with this during our covid lockup. Will the bird teach us about becoming watchful and patient? Will we be able to adapt to change, to soar?
These birds are opportunistic feeders that can hunt day and night. The eat mostly fish, but can also enjoy mice, insects and voles. They are surf and turf inventors, who use their daggar like beak to seize and spear food. They nest in huge colonies, and are serial monogamists, staying with the same mate for each breeding season. Apparently these “heronries” are very stinky places, as uneaten fish and poop pile up under the nests. The heron manages to stay clean because it’s chest feathers produce a fine powder that the bird preens through its feathers and then uses it’s middle toe like a washcloth to remove fish slime and oils.
I liked the peaceful and cool colors of this small composition. The lone figure patiently waiting for its meal to swim by is a great metaphor for all of us who are waiting for real nourishment and love.