Tuesday 2 August 2011

Getting Closer.

Traditionally for me at this time of year bird photography is slim pickings and my efforts switch to Butterflies and various Odonata which was the reason for a visit to a well known Surrey lowland heath today. So while I sat waiting for any of the very active dragons to perch within range of the 70-300 my attention was distracted by a distant white blob on the water that began to get closer. 

Mute Swans are normally quite inquisitive and this individual was no exception as it silently drifted straight towards me .... so an opportunity to capture something much bigger for a change.

It eventually stood directly in front of me, eyed me up and down and I got the distinct impression that despite the lack of any audible conversation between us I was being told that I was the intruder.

After a few more moments it uttered a single 'hiss' then turned around and floated away leaving me to return to my vigil of waiting for my intended quarry. Just another wildlife interuption.  FAB.

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31 comments:

  1. TexWisGirl2 August 2011 at 23:18

    he's so beautiful! love it!

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  2. theconstantwalker2 August 2011 at 23:36

    A wonderful encounter...

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  3. holdingmoments2 August 2011 at 23:47

    I love them when they do that lol
    They come over all big, and then hiss at you. Great encounter Frank.

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  4. AFTERMATH3 August 2011 at 00:14

    LOVE the close up, Frank!

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  5. FAB3 August 2011 at 00:20

    He sure is Theresa.

    Cheers Andrew.

    All show and no substance Keith.

    Thanks Robin.

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  6. Kelly3 August 2011 at 00:52

    Hahaha...I've gotten that "you're an intruder" hiss before. Glad he came over to investigate because you captured beautiful photographs! I have a lot of catching up to do again. I need to go back and read a lot of the previous posts. It sounds like you got a new lens! 300mm--I'm jealous! I'm just a 70-200mm, but I use the 2x extender to up it to 400 (but you could up it to 600!) :-)

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  7. Willard3 August 2011 at 01:52

    A wonderful encounter. That happens to me a lot. I start photographing as soon as the animal or bird comes in sight for fear that they will leave before getting close and as a result one sometimes ends up with an interesting series that is better than just having a few close-ups when they do get at the range you prefer.

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  8. Lois Evensen3 August 2011 at 02:05

    How wonderful. Perhaps he is used to getting snacks from humans and was disappointed when you had none for him?

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  9. Springman3 August 2011 at 02:51

    Interesting encounter! Taking pictures of Dragonflies give me the same thrill of the hunt as birds do too. If your header is any indication I'll bet your getting some great results. Cheers!

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  10. Red3 August 2011 at 04:12

    These creatures can certainly treat you with a certain amount of distain. Great shots.

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  11. Reena3 August 2011 at 05:06

    A nice surprise encounter!

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  12. Montanagirl3 August 2011 at 05:10

    What a wonderful chance encounter! That last shot is fabulous.

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  13. mick3 August 2011 at 06:10

    Beautiful photos and how nice to have the bird approach you that closely.

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  14. The Herald3 August 2011 at 07:32

    Friend or foe? I guess one hiss meant friend!
    A treasured moment Frank! {;o)

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  15. eileeninmd3 August 2011 at 09:27

    Great closeups of the swan, Frank! The last is is awesome! Have a great day.

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  16. Stewart M3 August 2011 at 09:40

    Hi - bird photography is so much easier when the bidrs do this - cant say that it happens all that often mind you!

    Nice set of pictures.

    Cheers Stewart M - Australia

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  17. Arija3 August 2011 at 10:03

    He looks like a frigate in full sail. What a nice encounter for you.

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  18. Midmarsh John3 August 2011 at 14:45

    The last shot is a real beauty.

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  19. Unknown3 August 2011 at 14:56

    Great close ups Frank. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  20. Hilke Breder3 August 2011 at 15:45

    Beautiful portrait of a juvenile swan, Frank! It's slow here too. I am waiting for fall migration to get going.

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  21. Anonymous3 August 2011 at 16:08

    I love the progression of shots as the Swan gets closer and closer! Wonderful post!

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  22. Fjällripan3 August 2011 at 18:15

    Beautiful photos of the swan!

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  23. NatureFootstep3 August 2011 at 22:24

    that´s a great break. :) Love the closeup of the head. :)

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  24. Sondra3 August 2011 at 23:34

    OH the detail is amazing in that last shot...I have the same slim pickins here in the hot of summer.

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  25. Neil4 August 2011 at 00:03

    Great close up photos.

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  26. jeanlivingsimple4 August 2011 at 00:07

    I like the results of this "interruption".:)

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  27. FAB4 August 2011 at 18:00

    Hi Everyone ... delighted you enjoyed this encounter as much as I did. It is certainly easier when you let the quarry come to you .. lol.

    Kelly ...Regret NO new lens .. still using the trusty 70-300.

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  28. Unknown4 August 2011 at 18:37

    At least you have your Odonatas to keep you busy. Nothing much here. At all :)
    Lovely interruption there. The close ups are gorgeous!

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  29. FAB5 August 2011 at 17:36

    Thanks NicoleB. Just as well there is something to keep me occupied .. the birds continue to be very silent!

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  30. Larry8 August 2011 at 14:32

    Beautiful shots Frank and a great description of your encounter with the inquisitive Swan. Love that last shot where he's giving you the stink eye ;-)

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  31. FAB8 August 2011 at 22:53

    Thanks Larry. It was an interesting face off!

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