For me, I feel peaceful when I view this Great Blue Heron photo from Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The lush habitat plus the bird makes me feel that way.

Great Blue Heron habitat at Sequoyah NWR, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaGreat Blue Heron habitat at Sequoyah NWR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 2500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

While visiting my friend Steve Creek here in Arkansas, we have made several trips over to Sequoyah NWR in Oklahoma to find birds and wildlife to photograph. Steve knows that refuge like he knows the back of his hand. Steve has taught me a lot about his favorite refuge, and I am extremely grateful for the knowledge he has shared.

I forget now what Steve was focused on from his side of his pickup, but when I saw this scene from the other side, I just knew I wanted to focus on it.

Everything in Arkansas and at the refuge in Oklahoma is very green, a green that feels like a balm to my eyes. The trees had leafed out before my arrival, and as I drove across Texas and Oklahoma into Arkansas, I was transfixed by the color green.

Even the air smells green. I’m not sure how to explain that, but I know the air here smells good, clean, and refreshing. At the refuge, the air has undertones of an earthy scent. It smells terrific to me.

I took other photos of this heron, another one that flew in, and two Great Egrets that morning, but this image of a solitary Great Blue Heron touched me more than all the others. I don’t know why, and actually, it really doesn’t matter. It simply does.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more photos of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.