Birds of Potter Marsh

The Trumpeter Swans have arrived in good numbers, but the photographers have been diverted by a Great Blue Heron. Potter Marsh on the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska is north of the Heron's usual territory. A very rare bird at Potter Marsh.

For over a week this juvenile Great Blue Heron has made his primary perch, a log directly in front of the first viewing platform, on the observation board walk. However, while he is resting, which can be for hours at a time, he is almost hidden by the root sticking up.

Occasionally, the Heron does move offering a better shot for those of us who have spent hours waiting.

A better stump for photos.

Fishing in the last rays of the setting sun.

My only up close shot.

The Great Blue Heron's favorite time to get off his stump and fish is at sun set. I've been closest to him when it was too dark for photos.

A wider angle shot of Friday evenings sun set.

Beautiful shots, my favorites are the reflection and the next to last shot.....close-up shot is awesome. Always a thrill to see a rare bird!

Lovely shots Gary, and I agree that the next to the last is gorgeous! I wonder if that Heron knows that he is a star?

Wonderful shots Gary! Thanks for posting them!

Thanks for being patient Gary, some nice pic you shared with us. I do like the night shot a lot and the reflection one too.

This message was edited Oct 19, 2009 6:59 PM

After a heavy fog burned off around noon, we had a rare clear sunny day. The Great Blue Heron was on it's usual stump, drawing hoards of photographers with big lenses.

Up on the boardwalk observation platform all lenses, except mine, were aimed at the Heron on the stump. While the photographers jostled for positions.

At sunset four Swans crossed an amber sky.

An American Dipper silhouette reflected on the mirrored surface water.

At Thursday evening's Audubon Society meeting, I learned the location where a Great Horned Owl perched regularly, in a large forested park. I located the Owl yesterday, but it was perched in heavy shadows. None of yesterday's pictures were any good.

I spent a good part of Saturday trying to get Owl pictures rather than Heron pictures. The first try today, when I hiked into the park I couldn't find the Owl. On the second try it was near where I found it on Friday. This time it was perched in good light.

Time for a stretch. Notice the Owl is stretching both the left wing and left leg, at the same time. Look at those talons hanging down below the limb.

Next, it was time for the right side stretch, both wing and leg.

Beautiful series, Gary. The owl is magnificent.

Great pics Gary! Love the Great Horned Owl!

Beautiful photos Gary. I especially liked the sunset photos with the heron-nice! What a great experience to photograph such a beautiful owl! Your patience sure paid off.

Oh wow, love your Owls shot. Hope to see one of those someday.

Thanks for all the nice comments.

I went back to the marsh again this evening. The heron went on its usual evening fishing expedition just before dark. He usually waits until the light is getting rather dim for pictures.

I tryed to get more Owl pictures this morning, but the Owl was a no show.

I tried to get more silhouette shots of the Heron this evening, but it wasn't in the right place for a decent shot. However, the view of the sunset from the Potter Marsh boardwalk was awesome! Redoubt volcano was silhouetted against the sky with a large steam cloud drifting off to the north. Now the weather is getting colder the steam coming from the vent is more noticeable, and some people have mistakenly believed it was erupting.

Absolutly fantastic pictures! That last one with the sunset & Redoubt needs to be framed!

Great pictures. You always post wonderful shots.

I love the blue herons. They are so prehistoric looking. I know how hard they are to photograph.

I got pretty close to one once and he turned straight to me. (not the best shot, as they are so thin) But I got a good look at how big that beak is and keep thinking if he wanted to spear me with it. I backed off and left him to his fishing.

That last shot is unreal!

Great shots, Gary ..... I particularly like the Great Horned Owl photos and the sunset photo with Mt. Redoubt in the background, sending out "smoke signals".

Your shots of the heron and the marsh are beautiful...but my heart belongs to that spectacular Great Horned Owl!! Man, I would love to one of those.....