Sunday, 11 April 2010

Time with a Grey Heron.

During a recent stroll in Bushy Park I was delighted to be able to get close to an adult Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). Initially it was obstructed by some vegetation but as I slowly moved around I was able to get some excellent uninterupted views. Obviously quite used to human interuption because it wasn't at all phased by my relative close proximity...there was a very thin stretch of water between us.
There was a fairly strong breeze blowing its black nape plume and long chest streamers about as it continued to do some essential preening.
Ocassionally stopping to view his surroundings
At one stage the head disappeared altogether!

Not sure when I will ever get this close again.....another very enjoyable wildlife encounter.  FAB.

28 comments:

  1. Wow, what an elegant bird. Your images are spectacular.

    Lois

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  2. Frank...these are definitely FAB! He is quite a striking bird. Rick and I spent some time at our Great Blue Heron heronry last night, but we were so far away. In Cincy, the herons are wary and keep their distance, but in Florida, we were able to get really close. Glad you were able to get so close.

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  3. This is just a wonderful series of photos. Can NEVER get that close to Herons around here. We get the Great Blues, but not Grays. He is definitely a gorgeous and impressive bird. How nice for you to be able to get so close.

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  4. Stunning shots Frank,magic.
    John.

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  5. Well done Frank, great pics. It's not often you can get anywhere near these birds.

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  6. Nice images Frank... :)

    Regards,
    Angad

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  7. Lois. Sure is..Thanks.

    Kelly. I have to admit this one one of the easiest photocalls I've ever had and most unusual for a Heron not to immediately fly away so I was 'chuffed' to bits. I'll be interested to hear how the digiscoping progresses.

    Warren. I did wonder if it was deaf and blind..Lol.

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  8. JRandSue. Cheers John, much appreciated.

    Angad. Thanks. I'm trying my best when conditions allow.

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  9. Great to be able to get so close to these Frank.

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  10. Super images Frank. They are funny creatures, sometimes they take no notice of you and other times they take off at the very sight of you.

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  11. Very cool Franl... he really posed for you and you got superb close-up pictures. Congrats... Funny to see his feathers flying in the wind. Hope you did not get totally frozen ;-)

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  12. They are magnificent birds....I love to watch them in flight. They always look so pre-historic.

    I have one that visits my pond occasionally. Sadly I have never been able to get a photograph....as soon as I leave the house it flees.

    Your photographs are just amazing.....

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  13. Fantastic photos Frank! I'm glad you were able to get so close. I haven't managed that with my local Herons as yet. Something to strive for! (-:

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  14. Such Brilliant photos of the Heron Frank! Recently visited RSPB nature area, specifically to see Herons & their nest. Unfortunately, too far away to get any good shots. Loved your close-ups.

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  15. Keith. Sure was.

    Roy. Just like a few 'humans' I know! Lol.

    Chris. Cheers..You forget the chilling breeze in these moments.

    Cheryl. It visits you for a snack presumably? Yes, their slow flapping flight is distinctive. I haven't mastered inflight pics yet!

    Jenny. This opportunity probably won't happen again for me for a long time. I'm sure you'll have some luck soon.

    Shirleyanne. Always a delight to watch at any distance. Pleased to be able to share them with you.

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  16. Amazing shots of the Grey Heron! What a handsome bird! Looks like a twin of our Great Blue H.

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  17. Hilke Breder. Thanks. He sure was a 'dandy' and very similar to your Great Blue.

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  18. Very jealous Frank - never managed to get this close to a Grey Heron. Great sequence, Well Done

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  19. Good images - seems clear that the ocean separated this heron from the great blue - that and some evolutionary time!

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  20. These are terrific shots Frank!! WOW!! Sometimes it is so difficut to get close enough. We have them here too and they are one of my favourites.

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  21. Richard. Cheers, and at last I got something close!

    TonyC. I am surprised with all your skills. All I need now are some very close Waders!

    Chris P. Definitely distance in miles and time.

    SAPPhotographs (Joan). They are super characters to watch and the close encounter was definitely a bonus.

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  22. Superb selection of photos Frank. What a great encounter and opportunity.

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  23. Thanks John. It was an unexpected encounter that I just couldn't pass up.

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  24. Frank, I don't know how I missed this post, but I'm glad I took a peek back! All I can say is, "Wow!!" Talk about being in the right place at the right time. This is, perhaps, my all time favorite series of photos on your blog, and you've got some dandies. You can stand up and take a bow now!! ~karen

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  25. KaHolly. Appreciation gratefully accepted Karen. The subject was very confiding so that helped a lot.

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  26. Wow! Lovely bird! Love his dark charcoal grey accents. So interesting - his dark, almost black, shoulder patches whereas the Great Blue has rusty brown spots there. And his dark head feathers whereas the Great Blue has dark blue. So similiar and yet so different. Thanks for sharing these!!! Truly!

    (Hope your family gets some closure. :))

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  27. Hi texwisgirl. My pleasure.

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