Great Blue Heron at Red Rock Crossing

Great Blue Heron in the grass - 2014 © Christopher Martin
The Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) I see are usually wading in the water or flying above it. When I was in Sedona I went down to Red Rock Crossing and was surprised to catch sight of one not by Oak Creek but in a field of tall grass a couple of hundred meters away from the water.

Heron under the red rocks - 2014 © Christopher Martin

Down in the grass - 2014 © Christopher Martin
The bird was walking on a path leading up towards a ridge but lingered fairly close which allowed me to change lenses for a couple of different looks.  I really love these birds and it was a treat to see one in an unusual environment.

Walking away - 2014 © Christopher Martin
I noticed some crimson flecks on its bill and when I left the bird and went back towards Oak Creek, I figured out why the Heron stayed nearby.  I realized I had interrupted its dinner.  I left the area and returned to the edge of the clearing an hour later to find it had left but not before returning to finish the meal.

4 responses

  1. Reblogged this on Life in the Garden.

    March 9, 2014 at 7:51 am

  2. vastlycurious.com

    Sedona = Nirvana . There is a small creek. I wonder if it was injured.? Odd place to be nestled inside the canyons.

    March 8, 2014 at 7:42 pm

  3. Fraz

    very nice shot.. feel lucky to see the amazing photos…..

    February 19, 2014 at 9:28 pm

  4. Beautiful heron, Christopher. Love your focal points and composition. Terrific captures.

    February 17, 2014 at 8:27 pm

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