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. 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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  2. He sure is Theresa.

    Cheers Andrew.

    All show and no substance Keith.

    Thanks Robin.

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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. How wonderful. Perhaps he is used to getting snacks from humans and was disappointed when you had none for him?

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

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  8. A nice surprise encounter!

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

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

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

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

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

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  15. The last shot is a real beauty.

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

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

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

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

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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. Thanks NicoleB. Just as well there is something to keep me occupied .. the birds continue to be very silent!

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  25. 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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  26. Thanks Larry. It was an interesting face off!

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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