Saturday, February 28, 2009

Great Blue Herons--Spring at the Rookery

Spring begins silently, in unnoticed ways. While we humans are still shivering and wishing for more sunshine, many bird species have been busy building nests, strengthening pair bonds and mating.
When I took the photos below, I was standing braced against the side of the upper deck of the Blue Moon as we moved along the windy Tennessee River approaching a great blue heron colony. I was thinking how exciting to actually see herons at their nests from a closer distance without disturbing them.
In this colony, only one pair built their nest in the trees. The rest used the braces of a tranformer tower for their platforms.
As an artist who enjoys observing animal and bird behavior, I aim for reference photos and that intimate connection that stirs my joy and the desire to create. And I try to capture the moment, images that bring me new insights into the world of my subject.
In this case, I was hoping for something a little more than what I knew and what I got was packed with exciting information about another species that lives near the water in east Tennessee and now thrives, despite the fact that it once was rapidly disappearing. The heron above seems to have landed on an empty nest. But nestled down in its center is his mate who soon rose up to greet him and received the fresh twig.
Below, another heron flies toward the lower level braces where he has positioned his nest. You can see his mate waiting expectantly for his arrival. As you move through the photos notice how the pair greet each other, erect their plumes and stretch their necks to display their plumage, a ritual that helps anchor their pair bond.

When I looked at these images, I saw what none of us could see in the few minutes it took to pass the rookery. That this moment was captured frame by frame in a time that spanned less than 60 seconds makes me feel even more privileged. It was one of those gifts of place and time that nature sometimes hands us unexpectedly. In fact, my whole experience on the cruise seemed to be like that.

While we wait a bit longer for the human version of spring to arrive, there is plenty of evidence in Tennessee’s bird community that spring is already underway.

To see the entire Blue Moon Cruise series click here.

Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #29 at Birdfreak.com in support of the conservation of our world's birds.

15 comments:

  1. It really is such a privilege to watch these lovely creatures prepare for the new year and the next generation.

    The pic of the mate rising out of the nest to receive the fresh twig reminds me how quickly we humans take our mates' offerings for granted. A bit of greeting display wouldn't go amiss!

    Thanks for sharing this experience!

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  2. A beautiful series of photos and so much information in the detail of them.

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  3. I love the sentiment of spring being just around the corner as evidenced by bird behavior. As always, great photos.

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  4. Great photo documenting the blue heron nesting and ritual.

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  5. Vickie, you have captured a veritable ballet of wonderful imsges!

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  6. I love how your painting conveys the excitement of the herons' bonding ritual.

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  7. It's a wonderful privilege - so beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Vickie.

    You certainly captured the Herons well in that painting. Gorgeous.

    Mary

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  8. Fabulous series. And all of that from a moving boat. I love that you have captured a special in their lives and shared it.

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  9. I love the photo of the heron coming to land with extended wings and feet. It is an amazing sight and I see it captured your imagination and creativity for you turned it into a painting. How lovely and how priviledged your work is!

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  10. Wow, you got some really beautiful pictures. I have never seen such beauty in person.

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  11. Oh, they are sooo sweet! I love how they seem happy to see one another. And your painting...perfect.

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  12. Great photos! I love the series.. Thanks for showing it.. And your artwork is just stunning as always!

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  13. Thank you for sharing. I had never seen a heron's nest. Now I'll know what to look for.

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  14. Oh wow....beautiful artwork capturing the courtship display. I've never seen a heronry on high tension wires. Interesting! I've been watching a heronry also! your blog is beautiful, informative and inspiring!

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  15. These are wonderful! You captured them perfectly. I've been watching a rookery since spring when they were working on the nests. It is so fascinating to watch these families of huge birds in their nests.

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