When I found this Great Blue Heron resting on a human made goose nest yesterday morning at Farmington Bay WMA I knew I wanted to photograph it.
Great Blue Heron resting on a man made goose nest – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Great Blue Heron wasn’t doing anything interesting. This heron was simply resting. The heron wasn’t found in a spectacular setting. It was perched on a human made goose nest in the marsh. This large wading bird isn’t in its breeding plumage which can be lovely and interesting. The heron is in its nonbreeding plumage. This Great Blue Heron simply caught my eye and for me that was enough for me to stop and take its photo.
I really don’t mind that the Great Blue Heron is perched on a human made nest. I like the marshy setting, the water, ice and vegetation in the background, the resting pose of the heron, and the nice light.
Great Blue Herons can be found in the lower 48, the southern most part of Alaska, southern Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and into Central America and they can be common birds in some areas. Being “common” doesn’t mean that I ignore them or to pass on the opportunity to photograph them. I truly appreciate having Great Blue Herons in my viewfinder which may be why I have so many images of them in my galleries.
Over the years I’ve photographed Great Blue Herons on this nest several times as well as few other bird species. I’ve photographed Forester’s Terns, Belted Kingfishers, Northern Harriers, and Canada Geese on this nest too.
I really don’t need a reason to take photographs of birds. That a photo of a bird wouldn’t be considered “award winning” doesn’t matter a bit to me.
Why? Because I don’t enter photo contests.
I do it because I am passionate about our feathered friends and for me that is reason enough.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Farmington Bay is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area. – Audubon
Passion is what drives us all. Beautiful pic for all the right reasons. Thanks Mia.
I think they are one of my favorite. The colors and feathers are stunning. My favorite about them is the call, such and ancient croak. Gives me goosebumps (good ones) every time I hear it.
Great photo. I didn’t know that Great Blue Herons had breeding and non-breeding plumage. I will have to check that out. Obviously, I’m not very observant.
A passion for birds sounds like a most excellent reason to photograph them to me – and this is a beauty. Thank you.
Wpmderful photo, Mia