I would say you crushed this shot for sure. You caught and kept focus on the eye, and the background blur adds movement to your image. Love the way the head and neck is centered in the water. I would have preferred if the heron wasn't angled away from you, but still a very interesting and well done capture. Hope that work gets back under control soon.
Man, work always seems to get in the way of fun eh!! I like the sense of movement, especially the lower half of the BG. Neatly outstretched neck. I could have done without the bright streak behind the head, but at least it makes it stand out more.
You have my sympathy Grace I retired in 2008 and have never missed work for even a minute. I like your shot it makes for a change and the blurred background wing tips convey the impression of movement well. I don't know how you did it but the head is sharp and the feet aren't but I like it very much indeed.