Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Close Encounter: Great Blue Heron



While fishing my favorite lake Saturday evening I noticed a Great Blue Heron standing along the east lakeshore preening. As capturing a few images of one of my favorite birds immediately took precedence over fishing, I maneuvered the boat across the lake trying to approach at a good lighting angle. Once I was within about one hundred yards of the bird I slowed the electric motor to its very slowest speed and continued my approach.

When I was within thirty yards of the heron I began shooting with the 100mm-400mm lens zoomed to 400mm. Soon I was taking close-up head shots and trying to capture the entire bird required zooming out. As I looked away from the camera I could hardly believe my eyes for the heron had allowed me to approach within twenty feet!

7 comments:

Rambling Woods said...

You have gotten a beautiful shot..I found a cooperative heron too. Maybe they all got together and took pity on us photographers..

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hi Salty! Great shot. The heron's down here aren't as cooperative as this one. Lisa

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Great shot of the heron, it's wonderful that it allowed you to approached so closely. It was standing on one leg and was really relaxed.

Kerri Farley said...

WOW! What a fabulous experience...and a wonderful shot, too!!

Shelley said...

Well done on the Blue Heron - he's a handsome guy!!

(I had one let me get about 15-20 feet in my kayak. As soon as I took my camera out - he flew off..still it was nice getting that close as I imagined it was for you in this shot.)

Louise said...

I can hardly believe my eyes, either! They never sit still for me. And in fact, I never even SEE them until they fly away--and they are far, far away. Must be the kids...

Misty DawnS said...

I am SOOOOOOOOOO jealous of this photo, and not ashamed to admit it ;-)