Herons hunting on the Vermilion Lakes
During the warmer months, there are a number of great blue herons that settle around the Vermilion Lakes in Banff National Park. A couple of weeks ago, I was on the shore of the second lake watching daybreak over a smoke-filled Bow Valley.
Looking across the lake, I saw ten herons spread out across a marshy spot a couple of hundred meters away. They were a bit too far away to observe them closely but I liked watching them as they hunted, interacted with one another and preened their feathers.
An eagle flew overhead which sent all of the herons into the air. In twos and threes they sped away while the eagle stayed on a straight line towards the first lake. Within 15 minutes a couple of the herons returned. Shortly after that three others alighted in the shallows of another marshy area.
There was a trail that angled towards that spot so I hoisted the big lens and tripod and wandered down. The path died out, overgrown by tall grass, but not before leaving me less than 50 meters from the closest of the three herons there. I set up and then enjoyed an hour watching these birds doing their thing.
Christopher Martin Photography 
what the wonderful pictures, thanks for sharing it!!
November 15, 2018 at 10:47 pm
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November 3, 2018 at 5:36 am
fabulous pics
September 26, 2018 at 2:20 pm
wow nice
September 23, 2018 at 3:55 am
Great set. Thru the shots, I can hear the quiet and the birds. Can almost smell the cool, dewey (?) air. Thanks for braving the crazy wild to bring us your take on it.
September 4, 2018 at 10:30 am
It’s interesting to see so many herons gathered together. We have a lot of herons, and they’re here year round, but I never see groups like this. These are some great captures.
September 1, 2018 at 5:45 pm
Their body language says they’re having a great time, don’t you think!?
September 1, 2018 at 4:59 pm
A simply lovely set of photos. The herons are one of my favorites. As well as marshes. Thank you.
September 1, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Great to see the behaviour when you stick around long enough, from an eagle flying overhead causing the herons to fly for cover to them returning later. I am curious if you saw the geese first or whether their heads popped up when the herons landed. These birds look like they are right out of a dinosaur period, always enjoy seeing them.
September 1, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Beautiful photos! Those fish better watch out!
September 1, 2018 at 11:11 am