For the last couple of mornings I have seen Great Blue Heron nesting activity in the area of the Peace River Wildlife Center.  The have an old concrete pole near the compound exit that had a structure on top that appeared to be geared to attracting Ospreys.  Unfortunately, there is an Oak tree that stands close by and higher making this less attractive to the Osprey.  It looks though like a pair of Great Blue Herons have decided that it might make a suitable nest.

For the pure nature photographer the cut timber and concrete pole means too much ‘hand of man’ for entry into competitions.  It does provide an opportunity for the naturalist to observe behavior though.  In this case, it allowed me to get a very nice portrait of one as it stood on the roof of the center.

This morning, I noticed another Heron delivering nesting material.  I hadn’t realized that there was a second nest in an Oak tree near the main road.  Because of the location in the tree, it will be harder to get good shots but there is plenty of opportunity for predictable flight shots and perhaps some courting behavior as time progresses.

Morning is best for shooting at the nest on the pole but afternoon should put better light into the Oak tree nest.  This is the second year so we could be seeing more as the colony grows.

Again, just click on any image for a larger view.  If you go to the area please stop the Wildlife Center and support them with a donation.