Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
Great blue herons are as common here as they are in any other marsh in North America. They can be found standing patiently waiting for a fish anywhere that there's water. They are particularly fond of standing near culverts waiting for fish that are flushed through with the current. Since most of the year-round marshes in the area are on the refuge, the various roads within it are the best bet for finding them.
Great blue herons are very wary here, as they seem to be throughout the Pacific Northwest. Frankly, most of my good great blue heron shots have come from parts of the country where they are tolerant of people. You'll never photograph a Malheur great blue heron on foot, shooting from the car is really the only option.
The best place to find this and other herons or egrets close enough to photograph is near Wright's Pond on the road between refuge headquarters and the Malheur Field Station. There are a couple of culverts which control water distribution to the pond which are favorite fishing spots for these birds.
