With their large size one does not need to get extremely close to capture and acceptable image. Perhaps the old saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” applies to this bird but I do find them to be quite handsome birds capable of striking extremely elegant poses. Another point in the GBH’s favor is that many of these birds are not overly wild and can be approached to within acceptable photo range.
I captured this close-up backlighted image during my February morning visit to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. As we were slowly driving along Wildlife Drive I noticed this bird standing in the shallows just to the side of the road. The heron never moved a muscle as I stopped the car only a few yards distance and took a series of shots hand-held from the car window.
You sure have some nice pictures here. I love the cardinal and the deer especially.
ReplyDeleteFabulous and beautiful!! Looks like he had his eye on something...
ReplyDeleteYou summed them up quite well. Nice capture too!
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We have them down in south Florida. It's our wading bird with the biggest range. Florida's egrets and spoonbills don't make it out of the state.
ReplyDeleteMost obliging of him I would say to stand still for you although they can spend a long time as still as a statue. I love watching the herons fishing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photo of the heron. That is my nemesis bird because it never behaves long enough for me to get a decent photo!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree Coy, this is a fantastic bird to watch and photogrpah. It may also be one of my favorites. The Pennsylvania ones don't like people as much and really keep there distance, all my good shots come from Maryland and Florida.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot. I managed to get some nice "reflection" photos of a GBH when we were in Reno 2 years ago. They are pretty neat birds.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous. Again a bird I long to see and not a chance.
ReplyDeleteSalty: That shot far exceeds anything I could get. They are my favorite large bird. I like the trailing head feathers.
ReplyDeleteNever got a shot of one of these that's as nice! Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteI too like watching the Great Blue Heron. They are quite the patient bird. Thanks Salty for your nice comments on Natural Moments. I look forward to seeing through your eyes and lens in your future posts.
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few GBH along the lake where I walk in the morning. They, too, have become quite accustomed to humans. My walking buddy comments all the time about how different they can look depending on their pose.
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