Great Blue Heron as a Surf-side SentinelGreat Blue Heron as a Surf-side Sentinel – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1500, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited

Great Blue Herons are wading birds that I photographed quite often at Fort De Soto County Park’s north beach while I lived in Florida. I have so many images of them in my archives that I haven’t opened to process so this morning I found this one to share. The Great Blue Heron was resting on the wrack line with the Gulf of Mexico’s waves in the background and the sea breeze had lifted it occipital plume. For some reason I just thought of the heron as a surf-side sentinel watching everything around it.

The image brings back memories of the sugar sand beneath my feet, the warmth of the sun on my skin and the smell of the sea. For me my passion for bird photography isn’t always about the images I create but is also about being there, soaking up my surroundings, savoring the sights, sounds and smells.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.