Great Blue Heron hunkered down against winter's brutal coldGreat Blue Heron hunkered down against winter’s brutal cold – Nikon D300, f9, 1/250, ISO 200, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400m, natural light, not baited

Last December I photographed this Great Blue Heron as it hunkered down against the brutal cold at the edge of the water in a marsh. I never used to think of Great Blues having to endure harsh winters until I moved here to Utah. When the water freezes over the Great Blue Herons start to hunt voles through the snow and that is fascinating to watch and photograph.

When I photographed this Great Blue there was still some open water for it to hunt for prey in, but not much. I felt for the heron because there was still frost on its feathers from the cold night. It made me shiver.

These wading birds are tough!

The official temperature at the SLC Airport this morning is 11°F so I guess it is time to pull out the gloves, hats, winter coats, boots and start layering my clothing to stay warm whenever I head out into the field. It even snowed a little in the valley yesterday and the mountains surrounding the valley are sporting white tops.

Now, to find my gloves.

Life is good.

Mia

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