Guess who took these? Answer is at bottom; a hint is that they’re from Idaho, so this ain’t rocket science. But the pictures are lovely—some of the best I’ve seen from this guy. The second photo in particular is a masterpiece of avian grace.
His notes:
These Great Blue Herons are doing their mating thing, across a field from their rookery where the Bald Eagles have taken up residence. But they don’t seem to be building new nests. Will they nest in the rookery, eagles be damned? Time will tell.
As a lagniappe, a pretty good in-flight shot of a drake Mallard.
Here’s a photo of mama eagle watching the goings-on from across the field in the rookery.
h/t: Stephen Barnard
Great photos! I know it is spring when herons return here (haven’t seen any yet). They remind me of pterodactyls when they fly.
Spectacular!!
We have one we call Harry, who hangs out in the ponds along the 407 near Winston Churchill. Haven’t seen him yet this “Spring” ( it snowed a bit this morning)
If Nobel Prizes were awarded for nature photography, Stephen Barnard would win!
Thanks for the compliment, but the quantity and quality of amateur wildlife photography shared in the Web is overwhelming. I have to struggle to try to keep up, especially against photographers who live in places blessed with abundant and colorful birds and other exotic and impressive wildlife, like India, Africa, and Central America. I attribute it to two developments: the Internet, which makes sharing easy; and the availability of quality and relatively affordable digital camera technology. The incremental cost of a digital photo is close to zero. I’m visiting New Zealand next winter and hope for some exotica. Maybe I’ll meet Jerry Coyne. 🙂
Marvellous.
I agree the second photo is especially excellent.
Yes, I think it’s one of the best photos of birds in flight I’ve ever seen. Great with work Mr Barnard.
Awesome photos, especially the one in-flight.
Those birds need an air traffic controller!
b&
I’m pretty sure the eaglets have hatched between yesterday and today.
Stephen, wow… you must have more than enough fantastic photos to fill several coffee-table Nature books! You write very well too.
As one who birds and canoes in Idaho, what a delight to see these photos, and recognize where they were taken. Having paddled that section of the river twice recently, and planning another trip this week, I will keep my eyes peeled for the young ones. Also, the new eagle nest is across the river from an older nest that has been occupied for some years.