Blue Heron at Main Reservoir

Over a period of three years starting in early March, I had the privilege to watch and photograph the mating and nest building of upwards of ten families of Great Blue herons at a reservoir near my home.

The distance to the heronry from the nearest shore was over 200 yards. Because of the extreme distance, and the need to combine multiple telephoto lens extenders, I shot all photographs in silhouette. I think the silhouettes show the drama and grace of these beautiful birds.

Great Blue Heron nestbuilding courtship display
Great Blue Heron at heronry performing presentation behavior to female.

Great Blue heron with golden rim of color from setting sun
Great Blue Heron in silhouette makes a delicate landing as it returns to heronry just after sunrise to feed offspring. Backdrop for photo is a spectacular orange and yellow sky
Great Blue herons await sunrise

Great Blue Heron in silhouette makes a delicate landing as it returns to heronry just after sunrise to feed eager offspring. Backdrop for photo is a spectacular orange and yellow sky
Great Blue Heron in silhouette at heronry looking over empty nest with bright Sun and orange and yellow clouds
Great Blue heron in shilouette. Purple haze is from the Hayman Fire near Denver in June of 2002

Great Blue heron basks in the rising sun
Great Blue Heron heronry Main Reservoir, Lakewood, Colorado, Heron perched in silhouette at sunrise with bright orange sun rising in the background. Space for text and caption.
Great Blue heron in shilouette against fiery rising sun

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