A pair of Great Blue Herons have started a nest in the “skinny tree.” On December 28 I posted that this tree hadn’t sparked much interest among the nesting birds.
These were shot with the Sony Alpha 6500, 55-210 mm lens at 1/1000 sec, 129mm.
The leafless trees in the background reflect a very harsh light which I toned down with Lightroom and Color FX Pro.
The male had a successful landing but the female had to brace herself to keep her footing.
This pair may only be testing each other out as mates. Despite bringing sticks for the nest and some attention to the female, the male flew off to take a stick to another tree. The female didn’t look pleased and eventually flew off and came back with her own stick.
The lighting effect is wonderful as are the subjects!
Thanks, Belinda. Glad that you liked them. The Great Blues are very entertaining and we are hoping more will join the rookery when it gets a little warmer.
Men!
Wonderful action series and captures, Ellen! Love the lighting on the landing male’s wing. Hopefully, they see clear and chose each other to have a family in the cool skinny tree!
Thanks, Donna! I hope so too, this tree is one of the closest to the trail and last year we could really follow the nesting, the chicks and then how they grew. We weren’t here the year before but I understand that the female stayed there alone and never had a mate.
I absolutely enjoy “The Stick Stories”.
Such an entertaining and endearing quality for these birds.
Best regards,
Paz
Thanks, Paz! The behaviors of the Great Blues are fascinating.