Little green heron, where have you been?

[Loupey]

Until this spring, I thought green herons never inhabited central Ohio. I’ve only seen two since then - one was in a tree about 200 yards away and promptly flew away and the other one I could not get within 20 yards for a good shot.

So seeing a pair yesterday, I was pretty excited. It took me an hour and a half of standing in one spot in the sun while shooting through some of the smallest openings in the reeds (with a breeze) to get these. But I didn’t mind at all! Since it was nearly 6pm and I had not eaten since breakfast nor had anything to drink, I was ready to pack it in - also my kids were on the phone asking when I was coming home

[Loupey]

But before heading back to the truck, I figured I would check one more spot within this system. Holy smokes – there were 4 herons there!

Thinking they would spook and fly away, I crawled to within 25’. Unbelievably, one green heron came towards me as it stalked its prey. At one point, it probably came to within 12’ and seemed oblivious to my presence. So close that I could no longer keep the entire bird within the frame. The late evening sun was starting to stream in and bathed the heron in the most beautiful warm glow. In some shots, you can see both the sun and its reflection in the eyes at the same time. And the reflected light often lit the belly more so than its back.

[Loupey]

Last set.

These are just fun shots (heavy duty crops). Still the same bird as shown in the 2nd set.

Every shot here was with the Canon 5D, 300mm f/4L IS, and 2x TC. Since it was an expeditionary jaunt, I hope to get back with the 40D + 500mm before the conditions change.


Sorry for the long story and lots of images. But I was exceptionally happy with the encounter. I don't care if someone writes me saying that green herons are as common as sparrows Thanks for looking.

[Dylan8i]

very nice, don't ya love outtings that end up lasting forever and you don't realize it cause your having so much fun



btw i think my fav is the 2nd one of the first post, the bird clearly visible, but yet blending in so well.

[pauling]

nice shotting

[scott-devon]

Wonderful shots, thanks for sharing. I've never seen one of these birds in the wild.

[Don Kondra]

Very nice, thank you.

The first shot is my favorite, love the spiked hair :thumbsup:

Cheers, Don

[Cassie1]

These are amazing shots Loupey. I love them all, but especially the shots with the fish in it's beak. You have captured the colours in the feathers beautifully. Haven't they got big feet :smile5:

Cassie.

[sparkie1263]

Great series. I like the story also.
Frank

[dumpy]

Great images! The eating ones are amazing, seeing the fish eyes somehow adds something to it.

'Green Heron are incredible birds, I've only run across a handful and they tend to spook easily. You must be very stealthy to get shots like these.

[Knight]

Lucky SOB lol i haven't come across one of those yet , well captured Loupey .

[Loupey]

Thank you, everyone, for looking and commenting!

It was very enjoyable watching the behaviors for the first time. When they come stalking in my direction and watching them through the telephoto, I can imagine what it must have been like during the time of the dinosaurs.

The weather turned sour last night and I only got a few shots in. But tonight was spectacular and I got a lot of shooting done. Both days with the 40D and 500mm so I'm interested in seeing the results. Will let you know after I process them.

Thanks again.

[mn shutterbug]

Heck of a series of excellent shots. I've seen one just once, I think. I've heard they inhabit this area. I'm sure I could forget about eating during a time like this too.

[AgingEyes]

Did you get into the water?

I don't know if green heron is as common as sparrow, but it seems to me many folks like to look for them.

[paulnj]

Very nice work Loupey!!!!

[Loupey]

Mike, AE, Paul - thanks for the comments and sorry about the late reply (been stretched out in too many directions at once I guess).

Mike - it wasn't until I saw images on this forum a year and a half ago that I'd even knew about them, let alone actually seeing them.

AE - no I didn't (couldn't) go into the water. I wish I could but this is the lowest I can get.


Thanks again.

[Loupey]

What's interesting is that these herons, while stalking, are tiny for herons. With their necks folded and squating, they are about the size of a crow - if not even smaller. But when they extend their necks and stand tall, they can be two feet tall.

The marsh is drying out fast. The drought we're having will most likely completely dry out the wetland (if it hasn't already done so - I haven't checked since last Friday). While the frogs and fish are obviously suffering, the shorebirds are capitalizing on the unexpected feast. Should have some interesting related images regarding that in some new threads.

Anyway, here are a few newer images shot with the 40D and 500mm combo. Most are obviously cropped considerably for detail here but the story is between the fish and bird anyway so I think it still tells a good story.

It took a while to process these as I couldn't figure out why I was getting a ghastly cyan color in the background water. It wasn't until I went back on a similar day (late evening, clear blue skies) that I realized that the blue reflecting off the water goes indeed cyan.

[Loupey]

Last set (I promise )

What to show you what happen when you have no hands to remove the food from non-food

Just about every other strike ends up like this and it was fun watching them trying to decide whether to let go or pull harder. Typically there was a few seconds when it was a stand-off with neither side budging.


The last shot here was just too cool a moment - the heron had nabbed two fish in one strike (both oriented the same way). I wanted to get a shot with both being flipped into the mouth but the one on the end wriggled out. The "one that got away".

[targetman]

Excellent shots more so the first lot in very tricky conditions well done top post`s.

[Eric D]

Such a cool little bird. Nice action shots on the hunt!! Last one is really nice!

[scott-devon]

Incredible action shots Loupey, that last one is priceless.

[Loupey]

targetman, Eric D, & scott-devon - thank you all, guys, for taking the time to comment

[Cassie1]

Two more wonderful sets of images from you again Loupey. You have certainly mastered that new 500mm lens of yours. Thanks for sharing.

[mn shutterbug]

Such amazing detail. These are all top notch.

[Loupey]

Cassie and Mike - thank you for your continued support