Heron beside a Reed Channel

A grey heron stands beside a narrow channel, its long bill and legs forming clear lines among tall reeds. Still water mirrors parts of bird and bank, while distant trees fade into dawn.

Build head, neck and legs first, checking each slender edge before joining body. Reed pieces sort by vertical marks; use channel waterline to separate reflections from distant trees. Feather bars on the folded wing give a tighter guide than the surrounding grey water. The pale throat and darker wing make a compact contrast inside the tall reed shapes.