Tuesday 3 March 2015

The Stealth Hunter.



Around the pond on my local patch all the Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) are extremely wary of any movement even when the watcher is nearly a hundred yards away but on Heron Pond in Bushy Park most of the individuals are far more tolerant.

So here are just a few of the many images taken last September of a  2nd year bird nearly into its adult plumage (distinguished by the almost white forehead and still some grey on its upper mandible) as it went about the task of searching the algae covered waters for a snack. Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.




Its ability to stand motionless for ages is legendary but once the eyes lock on the prize the action is over in moment ... far too quick for my reflexes or maybe lack of concentration!



I think it is saying "Ok, your time is up ... now move on".  FAB.

24 comments:

  1. so awesome! great shots. your herons are close to ours with just enough differences to make them unique. :)

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  2. I'm Jealous, Frank! LOL. Fabulous photos of the Heron.

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  3. These are exquisite. I love the last shot!

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  4. Beautiful bird! You got some excellent shots of him before he had enough.

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  5. Great set of images Frank. I love the neck feathers on the Heron. They are amazing and usually people miss seeing them.

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  6. Great series Frank.
    Always fascinating to watch these hunt.

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  7. It is a beautiful heron! Great series of photos!

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  8. Wonderful pictures Frank..I used to live next to wetlands and watch the Blue Herons come up and catch voles, take them down to the creek, drown them and eat them...Interesting birds..I didn't have a good camera then..

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  9. Great photos of the Heron. That second year plumage is very beautiful. Isn't it interesting how birds become used to humans in some places and stay really flighty in others.

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  10. A wonderful serie of the heron!
    My birdpost: https://hanshb.wordpress.com/

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  11. Great! What a beautiful photos of blue heron. Clear, sharp and beautiful detail. My compliments.

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  12. oh this Heron is so beautiful compare to the ones in my area. I never knew there were different kinds of colors.

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  13. Stunning images. I love watching the herons stalk their prey.

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  14. Great photos, Frank! Herons are one of my favorite subjects!

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  15. Wow Frank, these are really handsome birds, and terrific captures!

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  16. How considerate of him to let you take so many photos, and excellent photos they are to. He is a handsome fellow, and I love the neck and chest feathers shown clearly in your shots.

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  17. How wonderful you've found a place where herons are somewhat tolerant of photographers! These photos show their personalities well!

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  18. Great series of images.

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  19. Hi Frank, because you are very close, great photos, I've come so far not so close to Heron zoom
    regards Frank

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  20. They are such wonders and so beautiful Frank. I cannot wait to share all of my Florida birds, coming soon~

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

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