Close Encounter of the Great Blue Heron Kind [1] 2 (Feathery Friday)
Taken at Centennial Lake in MD, my new favorite (close) spot.
When I was heading towards the eagle in the tree (see previous shot where I must have flushed him out) I realized there was an area with a bunch of cover and some tree branches leaning in to the water. I headed over there and found a spot to sit on a log and setup my camera and monopod. After a minute I realized that just down the way past some more branches was this Heron.
I was about 30 or so feet away and it put up with me for half an hour and 150 pictures. I actually left in the middle and went to my car to change batteries and he stayed put!
I've got a bunch more to post, but here's the first 2 for flickr.
(2006_0425_D70_2158 copy)
Shooting info:
Nikon D70s, 2006/04/25 18:29:09, Compressed RAW (12-bit), Image Size:
Large (3008 x 2000), Lens: VR 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 D, Focal Length:
400mm, Exposure Mode: P-mode, Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern, 1/125 sec
- F/8, Exposure Comp.: +0.3 EV, Sensitivity: ISO 400, Optimize Image:
Normal, White Balance: Cloudy, AF Mode: AF-S, Color Mode: Mode Ia
(sRGB), Tone Comp.: Auto, Hue Adjustment: 0°, Saturation: Normal,
Sharpening: Auto.
View my stream in widescreen
Comments and faves
mjp3000, Ran_d, Scott Dungan, RicKarr, and 22 other people added this photo to their favorites.
mjp3000 (74 months ago | reply)
Wonderful catch Jon! He's a beauty.
somesai (74 months ago | reply)
beautiful
Shari DeAngelo (74 months ago | reply)
Oh Jon! The composition and colors are amazing on this. You nailed the DOF just right too! Beautiful!
Ran_d (74 months ago | reply)
Love the title! Excellent photo!
The World Through My Eyes
Aiko Heiwa (74 months ago | reply)
Don't you love it when something like that happens? :)
Scott Dungan (74 months ago | reply)
Great image!
The World Through My Eyes
ladyloneranger (74 months ago | reply)
Absolutely beautiful shot!
Night Heron (74 months ago | reply)
I agree, just awesome. Your descriptions of the capture and technical details are gifts to anyone willing to pay attention.
robinzeggs (74 months ago | reply)
This is gorgeous!!
Where's Centennial Lake? I might have to check it out.
*Zig* (74 months ago | reply)
Fabulous shot! So nice of him to stay put while you had to recharge ;)
Di..... [deleted] (74 months ago | reply)
Cool heron shot!!
MemaNH ... retired and loving it!!! (74 months ago | reply)
Great shot!! I can't wait to see more. :)
I see one in a small pond near our house but it is very "skidish". I can't get too close to it and my camera isn't the best. :(
Otmar Smit (74 months ago | reply)
This is a really excellent image! Perfect!!! Faved!!!
Artista (74 months ago | reply)
There are times these birds seem almost fake they are so still and beautiful! Lovely shot.
Imapix (74 months ago | reply)
......................Excellent!
randyandrachel (74 months ago | reply)
great shot!
Lida Rose (74 months ago | reply)
And another awesome capture!
dee_r (74 months ago | reply)
stunning capture!!
ricmcarthur (74 months ago | reply)
wow. the detail is amazing
mustachio_2k1 (74 months ago | reply)
Very nice! Great DoF you captured here, the background is very nice and smooth. A very clean shot, nicely done.
kit e kat (74 months ago | reply)
Beautiful shot. I love these guys ♥
My mom even has one as a personal friend (one-legged even). Meet Charlie..
mikecullivan (74 months ago | reply)
Another excellent shot. Thanks for the shooting info.
ozoni11 (74 months ago | reply)
Wow--great. Nice to see you're visiting one of my favorite lakes.
JoshuaDavisPhotography (74 months ago | reply)
Wonderful! I love the action in the background.
sosidesc (74 months ago | reply)
you have some great bird shots here and this is one of my faves!!
Julien Robitaille Photographie (74 months ago | reply)
Gorgeous shot and interesting story !
orcagirl (74 months ago | reply)
herons are rockstars. beautiful photo, love his feet :D
helenelisebeth (69 months ago | reply)
just browsing through loads of pictures of herons - not found a bad one yet - I like this one!
Paul Dallgas-Frey (66 months ago | reply)
Makes me think of ZZ Top!
Lisa / Celtic Clicks Photography (52 months ago | reply)
oh you!!!!
you paid him didn't you?!
you changed batteries?! LOL
i'm sorry i know i haven't known you long but i have to
:P
ok i feel better now ;-) hehe
btw.... i love your titles