He was not supposed to be there.
The photograph was taken too close, but I didn’t think I could ask him to move back a few steps.
Surprised me, Heron
Tag Archives: birds
A Lesson In Flying, Great Blue Heron
When photographing birds in flight you always look for a position, angle, something a little different to show their magic.
This Great Blue gave a dance routine worthy of the Olympics. I was so lucky to be there when he showed his moves.
I shoot them in flight all the time, but this one was so much better because he gave me so many different looks.
All this happened in a matter of seconds.
Of course I stopped what I was doing right after this and peered through my camera screen to be sure I actually caught all the action.
Great Blue Returns To The Nest
For such a large bird it’s impressive how delicate and soft their landings can be. The branches here, top of a Cypress, are slim and should barely hold a Heron. Yet they find the larger ones when touching down.
Taken as the last light was falling behind the wood line.
Little Heron Silhouette Photograph
This is a Little Blue Heron taken as he passed between the shadows of trees in a swamp and backlit sun. I had been trying to get the light behind the Herons as the moved around low over the water.
Juveniles are white and the light passed through their transparent wings to create this unique image of sun and shadow.
Creating this effect in a studio is straight forward light placement, a wild Heron and sun/shadows is serendipity.
Yellow-Crowned In A Dark Swamp
The Yellow-crowned Night Herons seem to favor Biedler Forest swamp. It’s part of the Four Holes Swamp. This is 16,000 acres of Cypress and Tupelo trees. It is the largest stand of these virgin trees in the world. Some are over 1,000 years old. In short it’s an old dark swamp. Very cool.
The water was very low the other day and many of the usual animals were foraging deeper in the swamp pools. I did find multiple Night Herons, and the butt of an Owl…heading away from me quickly.
This is a difficult place to photograph since the light is low. There aren’t many places like this so it’s always worth a visit once in a while.
A Discussion, Heron, Egret
Close and disagreeing, but nothing more.
Just a discussion.
His Favorite Spot, Barred Owl
It’s a good thing we know where he likes to stay. We might never find him otherwise.
Tricolored, The Cool Member Of The Family
I think it’s the attitude. Walking with a strut and swagger cements the image.
Doesn’t hurt to have a great ‘hair do’ either.
I think of them as the drama queen of the big bird family.
A bit of a clown too at times.
