I’m glad I saw this adult Great Blue Heron in the Arkansas River several days ago while I was at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Adult Great Blue Heron on the Arkansas River – Canon R7, handheld, f6.3, 1/4000, ISO 1600, +1.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 255mm, natural light
I’ve photographed Great Blue Herons in many types of habitats, including swamps, the Gulf Coast, wetlands, marshes, lake shores, city ponds, town dumps, and alpine streams high in the mountains. Now I can include the Arkansas River.
The Arkansas River appeared to be moving slowly that morning, which was a little surprising given how much rain we’ve had recently.
I would have enjoyed seeing the Great Blue Heron catch a fish from the stump in the river, but that wasn’t to be. After I took this image, the heron flew over to a log in a little cove and stayed there for a while.
It’s nesting season for Great Blue Herons, but I have no clue where they might be nesting on the refuge—or any indication that they nest there at all. I haven’t seen any signs of a rookery on the refuge or from the various viewpoints along the river.
What I do know is that I always enjoy having these prehistoric-looking birds in my viewfinder wherever I go. They are amazing wading birds.
What I liked about this photo was the heron’s pose, the still water, the stump in the river, and the way the heron seemed to have their eye on something off in the distance.
I hope to see many more Great Blue Herons at the refuge this year and it would be wonderful to photograph the young too.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Such an elegant bird. I think they look less prehistoric than pelicans – whose dinosaur heritage is always very evident to me.
I really like the simple monotones.
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