Herons in a Reed Marsh

Three grey herons stand at different distances in the shallow marsh. The nearest bird holds its long neck upright among the reeds, while the middle one looks across the water and the far bird faces away. Their slate feathers, pale heads and narrow bills give each shape a different outline.

Tall brown reeds fill the left side, with broken stalks reflected in the still channels below. Muddy banks and small pools divide the foreground, while low trees fade into the peach mist behind the birds. Start with the nearest heron and the clear waterline around its legs. Then use reed direction and reflected stems to separate the middle distance from the hazier background.