A Great Egret studiously ignoring me.
I had to walk past him in a place where there was no more than 10 feet (3 meters) between us. I didn’t want to bother him but we were on the same trail, water on either side.
As we passed I did not look at him, he did the same. That’s the old no eye contact rule. It worked again here.
Once past I turned and took this shot.
I observed the same “no eye contact” rule as recently as this past Monday with a Great Blue Heron at about the same distance. The heron had staked out a spot along the shore and I did not want to disturb it.
I think that is when it can work. Great Blues and Great Egrets. They have a spot and really don’t want to leave. 🙂
I wish all birds would ignore me like this beautiful egret. The old contact rule… Never done it before. Certainly will try next time.
Ted, this is a magnificent portrait!!!
Thank you. I know this can work with the big wading birds. See Mike Powell’s comments here.