Today I’m sharing a photo of a Great Blue Heron perched in a sycamore over Sally Jones Lake at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Great Blue Heron in a sycamore tree – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/800, ISO 1000, +1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Last week I shared a photo of a Great Egret that was perched in the exact same tree. The lighting was a little different that day.
I had been driving slowly down the Sally Jones Causeway when I saw two vehicles ahead, side by side. Two people were outside one vehicle and one person was inside the other, chatting.
Fortunately for me, I spotted this Great Blue Heron and a couple of Great Egrets on and near the lake. I stopped, got out, and photographed the birds while I waited for the road to clear.
In total, I saw five or six Great Blue Herons that morning, which is an uptick compared to last month’s visits to the refuge. I’m kind of excited about that.
Fall begins in just a few days, and the weather will start to cool off. Just maybe I’ll be seeing more birds again as the leaves on the trees start to drop.
The Green and Yellow-crowned Night Herons will be migrating soon, but the Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons are year-round residents here.
I’d really love to get photos of the Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets perched in the trees as the leaves change color. Fingers crossed!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shot of a GBH perched in a tree like that. I always associate them with wetlands. The learning curve continues. Spectacular pic and narrative. Thanks Mia.
Absolutely delightful shot, Mia! What a treat to see a GBH today! 💜💜💜
Beautiful photo.