GREAT BLUE HERON Ardea Celebrating 150th Anniversary Silver Coin 10$ Canada 2017

Based on a photograph captured by Canadian photographer Claude Belanger, the reverse captures an idyllic scene along the water's edge in New Brunswick. The application of colour over the detailed engraving recreates the life-like qualities of the original photograph, in which a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) stands in the shallow water. Partially shielded by the dried grass and reeds that line the riverbank, the side-profile view showcases the long-legged bird's pointed beak, its striking blue-grey plumage, and the longer feathers on its head, wings and chest. The reverse also features the engraved word "Canada" and the dates "1867-2017" to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.