I took a run over to Greenfield Park mid-afternoon do a short birding run. Great Blue Herons have returned, one seemed to want to nap while another one, a heron in full breeding plumage went hunting for some food and did some moving around too. From what I had heard, they have been back a couple of days now, how exciting. Another species I saw were 2 Pied-billed Grebes near the island. Nothing else but recent reported species. Hopefully this year they will raise another nice family there. It was mostly cloudy but the sun did shine for a couple of minutes while I was there. Images were taken on April 1, 2016.
Great Blue Heron
Binomial name: Ardea herodias
Category: Bitterns, Herons, and Allies
Size: 46” long, 72” wing span
Weight: 5.3 lb
Hanging out at the island
The drink
Hunting
Hunting
Looks like a 1st year bird, a bird born last year just resting off the beaten trail
I LOVE Great blue herons, Jim, and these are really wonderful photos!
There is something mysterious and primeval about this species; I never tire of watching them.
An early treat for what is to come when we live in far northern Wisconsin. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Jim for sharing your exquisite, close up pics. The details seen in your photos are not always noticed from a distant view. Thanks.
Hey Jim; Another set of great images. I love herons. How the heck do you get such great close-up shots with your 400mm? How close were you able to get before you took these shots? Obviously our shots really amaze the crap out of me.
As always I enjoyed your pictures of the Herons and enjoyed seeing you again while viewing the Say’s Phoebe.
Honestly, Jim – these look like the work of an artist on canvas. If I saw such a painting, I would say the feathers as they rest on the bird’s back are simply too perfect to be real. How in the world does this wild bird surrounded by the harsh elements and back from who knows how many miles he’s been traveling appear so captivatingly perfect? The water itself and the weather-beaten trees could be a prehistoric setting. You just put it all together to capture one incredibly gorgeous bird! And that immature looks so vulnerable and delicate. Thanks for entering this wild Eden and coming back with the treasures!
Love the close up views! They are pretty cool birds.
I Love all your pictures!!!
I LOVE ALL YOUR PICTURES