He walked across the trail right in front of me. As per the ‘unspoken agreement’ around here I passed by without looking.
However once past, and giving him space I did turn and take the shot. It’s only fair.
Sharing The Trail, Great Blue Heron
Category Archives: Heron
Great Blue Heron, Near Perfect Conditions
This shot should have been over exposed. It was almost noon, wide open in the sun. I can only guess a cloud moved in to save this image. There’s even a dragonfly (tiny, but there) on a tall stalk.
While no drama here I do like the marsh, and forest edge, background.
Marsh, May 2022
As wide an image as I shoot. About 18mm. Anything more I would have distortions. A single Alligator can be found in the water. Egrets and a Heron on the dead tree. All small at this width. But they are just supporting players in the overall big marsh.
The Leap, Great Blue Heron
The shot I always try to catch… ‘Leap Of Faith’. At least that’s what I call it.
A Great Blue Heron jumping off into space, with swamp waters down below, takes faith.
The whole thing is over in under a second.
This bird has a nest, with young, in the tree. She can jump off, glide, and be in a marsh or river in a few minutes. This is why many return here each year.
Tricolored Herons
A few different Tricolored Heron photographs that had been uploaded but never published. Rather than have several articles here is a random grouping of a favorite critter.
The first set was a quick series of shots when the Heron surprised me by deciding to suddenly leave. We had been watching him for a while, he was actually walking slowly away back into tall reeds.
While the same marshlands, Merritt Island, the heron below is a different bird.
Last here, from Orlando Wetlands, a Tricolor on the hunt. It looks like whatever he was stalking was not worth the effort.
Where Is The Food, Heron
I was not in position when the adult Great Blue briefly landed on the nest. I could see that no food was delivered.
The ‘little guy’ was not happy about the adult leaving without a food drop off.
He was loud and flapping around like a temper tantrum.
This juvenile is the age when the adults really want to be done with them. Feeding them is like a big fight, and dangerous. The young birds attack adults for food.
Making An Exit, Tricolored Heron
A quick take off heading over to some others that looked to be catching fish.
A Spoonbill was nearby so maybe it was a case of the fear of missing out.
Swamp Night Heron
Another few shots from the Four Hole Swamp.
Black-crowned Night Heron.
I saw several Night Herons, it’s just almost impossible to get a clean shot. This is a very dense swamp.
Four Holes Swamp is designated a site on the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad – Network to Freedom program.
Some of the Bald Cypress trees here are over 1,000 years old.
Oh yeah, snakes are here… many, many, snakes.