After about 10 years of photographing snow geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, I think I have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the geese.  Each and every visit, however, provides new surprises!  This year I’m photographing on a tripod with a Gimbel pan head which I have only had for several months.  It’s taking some getting used to, but is saving my back from the endless pain of holding a heavy camera and lens for hours.  Being able to react quickly has been the biggest challenge.  On Saturday, the snow geese were on the lake and started to make a lot of noise, which typically happens when they are thinking about taking to flight.  Often a bald eagle causes the whole group to blast off en masse.  On this day, however, it was a quick fly over by a Great Blue Heron that created all of the ruckus!  I was able to track the bird and focus quickly enough for a photo or two!  A treat to be sure!