Earlier this week, I visited the South Platte River, at one of my usual haunts there. With the warmer weather that we have been having — a really warm winter — many folks were busy fishing along the river. So I did not see many birds in the river, since they stay away when people are around. Stopping by one of the bridges, I noticed a Great Blue Heron perched in a tree.
After making several images, I paused to see what would happen. Then, I noticed a second heron, also a Great Blue, perched in another tree across the river. How lucky was that!
After some more images, I was switching between Heron No 1 and Heron No 2. Then I saw another Heron, No 3, in a different tree. I couldn’t believe it! Three perched herons in one location.
After a while, Heron No 3, decided to take flight. I had noticed another pair of birders that were exploring the same area. Maybe they had spooked this heron? Anyway, here is the Heron No 3, in flight.
I decided to approach closer to Heron No 1, to capture an image that was larger in frame. Before getting to the new location, Heron No 2 had already left. Heron No 1 was calling out to someone. Another heron maybe? I captured this image of the heron with bill wide open. No wonder that Great Blue Herons are able to swallow a big fish!
I made several images of Heron No 1 at the closer location. Eventually, after spending some 10 to 15 minutes at this location, I noticed that Heron No 1 looked like it was time to move on. I just waited to see what would happen. Heron No 1 had decided to take flight.
Here is another image as this heron was about to leave from the perch.
Finally, I made this image of Heron No 1, in flight with its incredible wingspan.
That was my lucky day. Three Great Blue Herons, including some in-flight images.