Smokey skies and a Great Blue Heron in flightSmokey skies and a Great Blue Heron in flight – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The smokey skies we had earlier this week at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge created flat, featureless backgrounds when I photographed birds in flight like this Great Blue Heron. On a clear day this Great Blue Heron image would have shown the Promontory Mountains in the distant background instead of the dull gray seen here.

Great Blue Heron flying in smokey skiesGreat Blue Heron flying in smokey skies – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I know I would prefer a more interesting background for these images with blue skies, a few fluffy white clouds and the colors of the mountains that I know are back there. The smokey skies have cleared up some here so maybe the next time I head to the refuge I will be able to create more interesting images of the birds there in flight.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.