Tonight was no exception. There is a spot we've been going to see Great Blue Herons - one of my favorite creatures. We went this evening to see how many there would be and to see if we could find any new shorebirds.
This location is smack dab in the middle of farm country. Some digging to sell dirt, some broken tile, and nature creates a pond where a farmable field once was. The saying "build it and they will come" is very fitting here. The birds didn't miss a chance to take over the property. I have witnessed many common birds here as well as some new ones for me. The most fantastic has been a Bald Eagle. But, he's a story I should have told a month ago (I'll catch up sometime and post the pics.)Tonight, even with storms and rain threatening - my sister and I decided to drive to this area and take a chance. If definitely paid off. Upon pulling up we notice 5 heron in the water. Then, continuing looking count a total of 17 in the area. This is a new record for us for this location.
I take pictures of different birds, enjoy the peace of this area. My sister is checking things out. This goes on for about 45 minutes. We spot some new shorebirds (neither of us thought to bring our books - so couldn't identify them there - still working on that). 
(Possibly a Short-billed Dowitcher?)I take pictures of different birds, enjoy the peace of this area. My sister is checking things out. This goes on for about 45 minutes. We spot some new shorebirds (neither of us thought to bring our books - so couldn't identify them there - still working on that). It sprinkles on us a time or two. Then, around 8:30 / 8:40 the sun comes out and makes for a beautiful sunset.
A few minutes later we notice the start of a rainbow, then notice the far end, then the middle develops. It gets brighter after awhile. Then, a faint second rainbow forms partially above the first. Absolutely beautiful. And amazing to see the full rainbow from one location.
Just when I thought things couldn't get more beautiful... a flock of birds comes over the far trees and towards the pond. They fly beneath the arch of the rainbow, towards us, and then to the far end of the pond. 
Great blue herons - I counted 46!!! I was amazed. A few landed but most flew on. A few minutes pass and 5 more heron arrive followed a few minutes later by a final straggler. WOW!!
Each of these black specks is a heron. Absolutely fascinating. So wonderful to see and hear; as they were a vocal bunch.I returned home with a big smile! Very happy. And thrilled to have captured it on camera.
