I’ve featured GBH antics in the “skinny tree” previous nesting years. These images were taken in late December, on a grey day, as a Great Blue was staking a claim to this coveted nesting spot. The tree is free standing in the pond, reducing the likelihood of predators arriving from below.
First order of business is to attract a mate.
None of the nesting material from last year survived and more of the tree has broken away. This adult and the selected mate will have a lot of work to make a viable nest.
In the last image the heron is performing a downward stretching and beak snapping behavior. There were a few other GBH around the pond, some working on nests in trees on the small islands, but none seemed impressed by this show.
Beautiful series of the action, Ellen! GBHs provide many interesting, unique poses. I could never ever tire taking photos of them. 😊
Thank you, Donna! Me either, they are a lot of fun to watch and photograph.
I wish him luck, he’s certainly trying😊. Lovely photos Ellen!
I think he needs it, Belinda! Thank you — it is hard to go wrong with a Great Blue!