Great Blue Heron After Grooming

Great Blue Heron After Grooming

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I had an incredible experience capturing the perfect shot of a Great Blue Heron while it was grooming itself. It was a magnificent sight to witness its beauty up close. This bird was a regular visitor to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Despite the constant presence of people in the area, it seemed undisturbed and continued to hunt for shad.

Great Blue Heron After Grooming
Great Blue Heron After Grooming

To achieve this shot, I used a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera with an Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM lens on a sturdy tripod. I positioned myself on a park bench across from the Heron, which was perched on a branch facing the sunrise. As it finished its grooming routine, I snapped the shot, capturing its outstretched wings and beautifully feathered neck in perfect detail.

Here are some interesting facts about Great Blue Herons:

  • Oklahoma is home to a large population of Great Blue Herons, and the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is an important habitat for them.
  • Great Blue Herons are monogamous and typically mate for life. During mating season, they perform elaborate courtship displays that involve stretching, preening, and flying together in synchronized movements.
  • These birds are skilled hunters and can catch fish larger than their heads. They use their sharp beaks to impale their prey and swallow them whole.
  • Great Blue Herons are social birds and can often be found nesting in large colonies known as rookeries. These rookeries can contain hundreds of nests and can be quite noisy and chaotic.
  • Despite their size and an impressive wingspan, Great Blue Herons are surprisingly light. Their feathers are hollow, which helps to reduce their overall weight and makes it easier for them to fly.
  • Great Blue Herons are considered a keystone species in wetland ecosystems. They help to maintain the balance of these ecosystems by controlling the populations of fish and other small animals.
  • In Oklahoma, Great Blue Herons are often associated with Native American folklore. They are believed to be messengers of the spirit world and are said to possess great wisdom and healing powers.