Spring Great Blue Heron adult – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The marshes and wetlands of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge have started to warm up with the arrival of spring and so has bird photography on the refuge. Our Great Blue Herons are year round residents in northern Utah and they have just gone through a winter that I know for certain I could not survive out in the open marshes without shelter. They have survived bitter cold, high winds, drifting snow, long frigid nights and are now in their breeding season.
When I found several Great Blue Herons on the north side of the auto tour route earlier this week I felt I had to stop and photograph them to celebrate their survival and the arrival of warmer, more pleasant days. They were on the wrong side of the road for me to photograph them from the driver’s window of my Jeep but it was easy enough to make a quick turn to take photos of them in good light.
Adult Great Blue Heron in the wetlands of Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were two Great Blue Herons that stuck around long enough for me to take a series of images of them both. The first Great Blue Heron was quietly wading through the water in search of prey and the second heron was looking at something in the distance. Both herons may already be feeding their young from this season. Great Blue Herons nest early here in northern Utah.
I adore these large wading birds and will photograph them whenever I have the opportunity. I’m happy that I stopped to take spring photos of these two.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’m amazed that they are nesting at the same time of year, rather than the same ambient temperatures, as here on the Texas Gulf Coast. Nice shots!
They are both so beautiful. Wishing them a very (re)productive spring. 💜💜
Taking the words out of my mouth is unhygenic Marty – but you are right.
Wonderful photos as usual. They are amazing and I love the ancient croak the make as they fly off.
Wonderful photos of this majestic bird, Mia.
I’m glad you stopped to take the photos, too, and posted them for us to see. The Great Blue Heron is a graceful, big bird that enchanted me even before i heard its call, and surprised me by being in so many parts of the world. I always think of it as our modern dinosaur.