A Heron in Yellowstone
Great blue herons are a favourite bird of mine. I was very happy when I spotted this one fishing along the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park when I was there a few weeks ago. I found a little shoulder off the road where I could park my car and I walked back to the small bridge I had just crossed.
The heron was stalking through the grass in the water, noted my presence with a slight turn of its head, and then continued. A few minutes, three strikes and two fish later, it had moved closer and was now directly across the water from me.
Whether it was momentarily full, spooked by a particular vehicle crossing the bridge or just tired of me watching, it jumped into the air after ducking under the logs in front of it in the picture above.
I was in a great position to watch the strong wingbeats lift the heron. I was already feeling lucky for first finding it along this beautiful river bend and then getting to photograph it fishing. When it took flight and then banked overhead, I was able to get several nice flight shots and I felt my luck had doubled down on its own accord – and won!
Christopher Martin Photography 
very great photos
June 19, 2016 at 4:18 am
Really great images Christopher….worth the effort that you put in! Thank you for sharing.
http://www.peternutkins.com
June 16, 2016 at 11:36 pm
Stunning photos Christopher.
June 14, 2016 at 4:03 pm
Thank you Miriam.
Best regards,
Chris
June 15, 2016 at 3:03 am
They’re a favorite of mine too. Beautiful shots.
June 14, 2016 at 12:07 pm
They are.my favorite too. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures.
June 14, 2016 at 8:22 am
How breath taking that must have been for you. To me, the heron looks a tad prehistoric, in some of your flight shots. I love to watch the herons here in Michigan. Keep following your gut and bringing us more fantastic images. Thank you very much for sharing these.
June 14, 2016 at 7:51 am
I am always in AWE at looking at God’s nature. Thank you Christopher for the beautiful pictures
June 14, 2016 at 7:29 am
Awesome shots of a beautiful bird!
June 14, 2016 at 6:39 am
great blue Herons such a graceful bird such beauty ❤ great picture !
June 14, 2016 at 6:13 am
Love the pictures and the colors are so vibrant in the photos.
June 14, 2016 at 6:08 am
They are one of my favorite birds too. I rarely see them in flight. Marvelous photo!!
June 14, 2016 at 4:27 am
Great photo!
Liebe Gruesse Monika
June 14, 2016 at 4:15 am
Wonderful wonderful photos Christopher!
June 14, 2016 at 2:34 am