Adult Great Blue Heron resting on ice in a frozen marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
There were plenty of Great Blue Herons to photograph yesterday morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and I was more than happy to take photos of them. The coldest temp I saw on the way out to the auto tour route was 10°F, the sky was mostly clear and in some locations I could feel a slight breeze blowing.
Many of the Great Blue Herons were standing on the ice in the frozen marsh. Some of the herons were very approachable.
Great Blue Heron lifting off from ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
While other herons took off before I could get close enough to photograph them. I liked how the wings of this Great Blue Heron were raised and both of its feet were still on the frosted ice.
Great Blue Heron on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
This Great Blue Heron was trying to catch prey through the thin ice as I photographed it, the heron wasn’t successful while I had it in my viewfinder. I imagine that if the heron had seen a small fish through the very thin ice it could have punctured the ice with its dagger-like bill.
Resting Great Blue Heron adult on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
After a few minutes of hunting the heron hunkered down for a few seconds before another heron flew over and this heron started to chase after it.
Adult Great Blue Heron and the wintry marsh of Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Off in the distance I could see yet another Great Blue Heron standing on thin ice in the wintry marsh. I just had to take a photo of it even though it was far away because of the great marshy habitat that I could see along with the bird.
Winter Great Blue Heron in flight over the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
A few of the herons were chasing each other in flight so I locked onto one of the closest herons. I loved the blue sky, the snow-covered mountains in the distance and the flight pose of the heron.
I also noticed the small pieces of ice that were dangling down from the lower chest feathers of this heron. Those pieces of ice probably formed on the feathers overnight as the heron slept with its feet in water. At least the pieces of ice on this heron were small, I’ve seen Great Blue Herons here in Utah have to deal with much larger chunks of ice on bitter cold mornings.
Great Blue Heron in winter at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I took a few more images of this Great Blue Heron as it flew out of range and before I started to head home.
It wasn’t my most birdy day at the refuge but it wasn’t the worst either because of the Great Blue Herons that I was able to photograph yesterday.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
When I see the herons in the cold I feel for them. Tell them to fly to Florida for the winter! Haha!
I’ll echo Liz’s comments! 🙂
Wonderful spread of images! I have seen a few blue herons in the wild and they are truly magnificent. Thanks Mia.
Thanks for posting the series of photos, they are all lovely.
Very nice series of photos. Such nice light! The cool blues of the ice and the herons nice against the warm yellows.
Any day when you can photograph Great Blue Herons is a great day!! Wonderful series of photos.