Green Heron likes me

matthewo · Apr 23, 2013

this green heron got very comfortable with me allowed me within about 25-30 feet, and after an hour or so I could move and come and go with ease. gave me many poses and caught at least 5 things in front of me, sometimes stuff was blocking the way though. these guys are fast.

1

2

3

4

5

6

and a video

coastalconn · Apr 23, 2013

As always fantastic images. The detail in #1 is awesome. I really like the pose and controlled DOF in #3!!!

Derrel · Apr 23, 2013

Always wear the same hat and vest and they get to know "you". I swear it's mostly the HAT...your "crest". Not kidding either. I used to fish a lot and encountered both great blue and green herons at many good fishing spots...seemed to me that each bird has its preferred spot that "it" feels entitled to, and once they recognize you as that idiot who just stands there and fishes with a stick/looks at them with its one, good,big, black eye, they soon seem to accept you. At distance, they seem to key in on the hat...

dudley_53 · Apr 23, 2013

In awe of these pics.

matthewo · Apr 24, 2013

Thanks, i noticed a problem with 1, its not right i will fix it

JonathanGallagher · Apr 24, 2013

Really enjoyed these photos and watching the clip!

PixelRabbit · Apr 24, 2013

Amazing set! Love them all. I'm hoping our resident Green Herons are less skittish this year, last year they screamed loudly in protest of our intrusion and stayed at a very very safe distance.

matthewo · Apr 24, 2013

I was really amazed it let me get so close. at a point I think it knew there was good food in the area and I was not going to do anything to harm it. basically jump up on that branch and posed for a while, after it ate a good deal of critters and then after a while went back to hunting the same area.

matthewo · Apr 24, 2013

coastalconn said:
As always fantastic images. The detail in #1 is awesome. I really like the pose and controlled DOF in #3!!!

thanks, I must admit some of the DOF in #3 is actually OOF brush in front of the subject to the left of the frame, it almost looks like some type of editing blur was put on it. if I had to say the biggest issue with that day was extreme bright light and twigs and brush in the way, but other then that a very cooperative subject