Thursday 16 September 2010

Getting Closer

As a follow up to the 'Study in Concentration' image posted on FABirding I thought I would share my recent encounter with this obliging Grey Heron.
This individual was standing absolutely motionless at the back of a small pool with the background reeds swaying around in the very strong breeze.
I took a few shots and then decided to follow a path around to the left using the reeds as a screen ...
.. and then crouched down to shoot through the railings on a wooden bridge in an attempt to get closer.
I was quite surprised that this individual stayed glued to the same spot and apart from some minor head movement (probably in response to the camera shutter sounds) it allowed me these close magical moments. A species that is definitely well know for its patience when hunting and I finally left it alone to continue its lonely vigil.
It would have been nice to capture this creature 'in action' but I was happy to make do with its stationary poses on this occasion.   FAB.

21 comments:

  1. Nice one Frank.
    i cant get anywhere near the Herons that visit my patch !!

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  2. You made the old common Grey Heron look like a super star.
    Well done,lovely photography.
    Proper job Frank.
    JR

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  3. Very nice shots of the heron they can be difficult to get close to

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  4. Lovely shots Frank. Sometimes they let you get close, and other times they're off like a shot lol

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  5. WOW - it's a great bird this Heron, and you've captured it perfectly.

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  6. The food he was watching was much more intresting Frank. :) Reallt excellent shots you got here. I love the herons.

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  7. Wow Frank! You were lucky. I can't get within 200 yards of these guys. Great photos. Carol

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  8. Hi Frank....I imagine if we couldn't just pop of to a store for lunch and we where hungry we would patiently wait for somthing to eat!!
    It seem they can stand in one spot for a very long time if undisturbed!!
    Nice photos...I like the feathers an it chest ..pretty pattern!!
    Still thinking about you and praying !!
    Have a comfortable weekend!!

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  9. What a great encounter Frank. Fabulous shots.

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  10. Wow - Lucky you! I can't get even remotely this close to any Herons I've spotted in this area. They are very spooky.

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  11. Maybe it thought it would remain invisible to you too. Great shots!

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  12. Frank this is fantastic. When I met up with a Great Blue, it stayed still like a statue as well, and I got pretty close before it took off. So neat that you got several of them. Their colouring is certainly a lovely shade~

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  13. A very magical moment, being able to take heron shots like this! It looks very similar to the US's great blue heron. And they're very tricky to shoot here too. Nice!

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  14. Some brilliant photos Frank! The Heron seemed oblivous to your presence.

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  15. Hi Frank, we have been lucky to see many sightings of this colorful bird at Chincoteague NWR. It's always amazing to watch its powers of concentration and ability to sense (and see) where their next meal will be found. One day soon, I'll post some photos of great blues here on the eastern shore. Thanks for sharing yours!

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  16. Nice series on the Grey Heron - so similar to NA's Great Blue - I am sure they must have a fairly recent common ancestor.

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  17. What wonderful portraits of a fantastic "individual!" ;)

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  18. Amazing! Well done Frank. I just cannot get anywhere near the two that frequent my local nature reserve. I'll have to try some of your tactics! (-:

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  19. Hi Everyone. Sorry for the delay in responding to all your lovely comments on the close encounter with the 'static. Grey Heron. These opportunities don't occur too often so delighted to share them with you. FAB.

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  20. Great shots! I'd say it is really concentrating on whatever it sees in the water waiting to strike.

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