Hatch year Great Blue Heron pooping on the flats, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahHatch year Great Blue Heron pooping on the flats – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I mentioned earlier this week that autumn weather in northern Utah can be erratic. I have about another 24 hours of clouds to get through before I will head back out into the field. At least it isn’t windy today, for that I am grateful. Wind really bothers my eyes.

I selected this hatch year Great Blue Heron photo to share today because it showed the young bird taking a crap on the flats of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. My first thoughts when I looked at the weather forecast for today were “Well crap” and this photo seemed perfect to follow that thought. If a person didn’t know better they might think this heron has three legs. That stream of white liquid is actually uric acid but we often call it poop. Or crap. Or a mess.

By the way, this photo was taken on the same morning as the images of the Common Loon that I shared yesterday.

Hourly weather October 27, 2021Hourly weather October 27, 2021

Most of the roads I travel on to find and photograph birds are dirt which means they are muddy right now from the recent rain that has fallen on northern Utah. Hopefully those roads will be a little less muddy with another 24 hours of drying time. I am anxious to get back out with the birds. The truth is that I am always looking forward to being with birds but even more so when I have spent several days in a row house bound due to inclement weather.

Life is good.

Mia

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