Three days ago I photographed an immature Great Blue Heron on ice from the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I wasn’t able to get the young heron in my viewfinder until shortly after it landed.
Immature Great Blue Heron after landing on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had been focused on Common Goldeneyes in some open water plus Ring-billed and Herring Gulls when I noticed the immature Great Blue Heron flying in to land on the ice that covered that section of the marsh.
Whenever it is possible I will try take photos of Great Blue Herons here in northern Utah. I focused on the young heron as soon as I could after its feet touched down on the ice.
Immature Great Blue Heron walking on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The gulls, ducks, coots, eagles, and herons have been congregating in that area of the marsh because there is some open water in the location where they can still catch fish. This young heron was about fifty feet from the open water when it landed.
Fluffy immature Great Blue Heron on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I hoped that the immature Great Blue Heron would walk towards the edge of the ice to hunt for its breakfast while I had it in my viewfinder.
Instead it fluffed up its feathers and stood out on the ice.
Immature Great Blue Heron at rest on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then it hunkered down to rest. I started photographing the gulls and ducks that were in front of me and the next time I looked for the young Great Blue Heron it had apparently flown off. I hope that the next time I head out onto the marshes at Bear River MBR I will be able to catch some Great Blue Herons on the ice that are catching fish.
Every bird that I have in my viewfinder brings me joy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Looks like a nippy day to me. Amazing how wildlife; especially birds, can adapt to harsh winter conditions. Fascinating pics and commentary. Thanks Mia.
Looks nice with all its feathers puffed up. I always wonder if their feet get cold.
More happiness coming my way as I see a GBH post! 🙂 They look like a totally different bird when they hunker down to rest. I really like the first shot of him folding his wings — truth be told, I love watching any bird fold its wings.
The herons were way out on the ice when I was there, I still liked the photo I took of them on the very tundra looking ice. I wish the herons closer where not so jumpy! it is so amazing they can endure the cold and less food.
And your captures bring me joy.
Many, many thanks..