On my morning run (I did run for a bit!) I spotted a Tri-colored Heron in the salt marsh. She was doing a fascinating new exercise routine. Or maybe it was bird yoga? Whatever it was, I caught it on camera and will share the instructions, frame by frame, right here. In case you want to try it at home.
When I first saw her she was looking really stressed out. Her pose was hunched and her neck was nailed onto her shoulders. She clearly had some tension in her otherwise gracious body.
She started by shaking loose. Vigorously. The whole body. Her feathers became fluffed and her hairdo instantly went from old-fashioned sleek to a modern pixie look.
After loosening up a bit, she stretched her neck down and to her right. Streeetch.
Then, still holding her head down, she stretched to her left.
Next, she stretched down, down. Now her bill was hardly visible. She was immersed in her feathers.
And then she let her head go completely. It disappeared. Mind over body.
Finally her head reemerged, her neck still twisted and the feathers on her shoulders fluffy. And she stretched up.
After this exercise routine, I observed her head was high above her shoulders. No more hunching. She appeared happier and more balanced. Maybe something there.
I continued my run (more of a walk now, to be honest) inspired to exercise more. Losing one’s head once in a while can be beneficial both for the body and the soul. Maybe I’ll finally try yoga. As recommended by my friend Nancy. I know I’m not as flexible as this heron, rather more like the duck I met later on my trail. It might still be worth a try.
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
Glad you stopped your run. Love the second shot.
Thanks David. I have my routes and somehow they usually end up passing the salt marsh…always something happening there.
I love it!! You are so entertaining! And definitely try yoga and see what you think/feel. It is something I truly appreciate.
Thanks Cyndi! I’m looking into various yoga options now…
I’d run if I got to experience this!
I’m trying to do a good run 3-4 times a week and always meet new “actors” in the nature reserve 🙂
I don’t do run, but I love your pictures my friend. Have a run for me 😉
Will do Jackie! Hugs
I’m more duck than heron, too, my friend. That doesn’t mean we can’t rock the yoga! 😉
Keep moving, Tiny! You are a rock star! ❤
I guess I can start simple and do the poses I can, but will never be a rock star 🙂 Thanks Nancy!
As with anything, the more we do it, the better we get at it. I’m seeing huge improvements in my flexibility just a short time in. That’s pretty cool.
It is cool!
If laughing is good exercise, and I am told that it is, I have just had a very good workout. Do you follow Sufey? Your post made me think of an exercise she posted yesterday. I could do some of it; I am sure you can guess which parts I couldn’t do. http://sufey.org/2014/08/02/morning-yoga-for-beginners/
Great you got a workout! And thanks for the referral…I liked it 🙂
I have seen birds preening themselves so many times before, but never from this perspective! I am going to chuckle to myself every time I see this now, thanks to you! 😀
Tiny, you got several laughs out of me. Thank you. Yet in all seriousness, we humans could take instructions from this bird. For real. Have a great day!! Love, Amy
Happy you got a laugh or two, Amy! We can always learn from the nature. Have a wonderful day & Hugs!
(((HUGS))) back, friend!!! xx
Great pictures!
Happy you enjoyed them Gloria!
Hilarious!!! I definitely share more in common with the duck too…Yet I dream of being able to twist my neck to and fro like that beautiful heron. ♥
Happy you enjoyed the instructions, Shauna! I haven’t had the time to run or walk for days now…and feel worse than the duck tonight 🙂 Maybe tomorrow…and hopefully the heron will be there too.