When I found this Great Blue Heron resting on a human made goose nest yesterday morning at Farmington Bay WMA I knew I wanted to photograph it.

Great Blue Heron resting on a man made goose nest, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahGreat Blue Heron resting on a man made goose nest – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The Great Blue Heron wasn’t doing anything interesting. The heron was simply resting. The heron wasn’t found in a spectacular setting. It was perched on a human made goose nest in the marsh. The large wading bird isn’t in its breeding plumage which can be lovely and interesting. The heron is in its nonbreeding plumage. The Great Blue Heron simply caught my eye and for me that was enough for me to stop and take its photo.

I really don’t mind that the Great Blue Heron is perched on a human made nest. I like the marshy setting, the water, ice and vegetation in the background, the resting pose of the heron, and the nice light.

Great Blue Herons can be found in the lower 48, the southern most part of Alaska, southern Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and into Central America and they can be common birds in some areas. Being “common” doesn’t mean that I ignore them or to pass on the opportunity to photograph them. I truly appreciate having Great Blue Herons in my viewfinder which may be why I have so many images of them in my galleries.

Over the years I’ve photographed Great Blue Herons on this nest several times as well as few other bird species. I’ve photographed Forester’s Terns, Belted Kingfishers, Northern Harriers, and Canada Geese on this nest too.

I really don’t need a reason to take photographs of birds. I do it because I am passionate about our feathered friends and for me that is reason enough.

Life is good.

Mia

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

Farmington Bay is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area. – Audubon