Great Blue Heron with raised crownGreat Blue Heron with raised crown – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I’m back from my trip to southern Utah and although it wasn’t as birdy as I would like I did enjoy it except for the relentless wind. I have a few more bird photos from the trip I will post later but my favorites from the trip were the Peregrine Falcon and the Yellow-bellied Marmots.

These images of a Great Blue Heron at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge were taken last September on the auto tour route at the refuge. I really liked the raised crown in this first photo even though the heron looks like it used a bit too much hair gel!

Great Blue Heron on a large postGreat Blue Heron on a large post – Nikon D810, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This second photo is simple but I liked the lines on the background which were created by the marsh and distant Promontory Mountains being out of focus. When I lived in Florida it wasn’t unusual for me to be able to photograph Great Blue Herons up close but here in Utah it is far more difficult because the herons are more skittish so when I have the opportunity to get close ups of them here I jump at the chance.

Life is good.

Mia

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