Clutch time in the trees
A Great Blue Heron male flies with twigs for its nest.
Springtime gives nature photographers the opportunity to photograph a variety of birds building nests and raising their young. The big cottonwood trees here in Colorado are still a few weeks away from fully leafing out, making it easier to spot birds and photograph them. Last year’s empty nests are a hub of activity. Hawks, owls and herons can be seen refurbishing old roosts or building new ones.
I spent several days photographing these Great Blue Herons in a majestic old cottonwood about 30 minutes from my home. There are two active heron nests in this tree and one red-tailed hawk nest. It’s quite the tree of life.
Great Blue Herons will generally lay three to six eggs which hatch about 28 days later. I can’t wait to come back in a few weeks to check on the babies. Though, by then leaves will likely make the nests harder to see.
I hope you enjoy these images. I welcome your comments and suggestions.
A Great Blue Heron male gives nesting material to its mate.
Heron male angle for a landing.
Nest-building teamwork.
Balancing act
A male heron's work is never done.
