Sometimes the best defense is a good offense

[Loupey]

Another long story for ya all

This past Saturday evening I found nothing unusual so I started to follow this one lone green heron (sad that only a few weeks ago I was so happy just finding one) partly because the light was starting to become nice on it, but mostly because it was the only photogenic subject.

I noticed that this one was actively stalking frogs, dragonflies, and damselflies. Probably because the marsh at that time was nearly dry with very little fish.

First, a shot of the particular GH in question:

[Loupey]

A few weeks back, I saw one GH snatch a dragonfly out of the air but I wasn't able to get a good shot of it as it was too far into the cattails.

So when I saw this one actively tracking flying dragonflies, I got pretty excited.


This green DF kept hovering tantalizingly close to the green heron. Almost as if teasing (the GH and me). These two shots were taken nearly simultaneously to show the scene as a composite. I couldn't back up and I didn't want any shorter lens as I was hoping for a mid-air-grab-shot.

[Loupey]

The green dragonfly made it out unscathed.

A few moments later, a damselfly wasn't so fortunate. I missed the strike but caught the tail end (pun intended).

[Loupey]

Finally (this is the last one folks - thanks for following so far), the GH looks as if he is ready to strike something. I couldn't tell what as didn't want to leave my eye off the viewfinder nor my finger off the shutter release (the first and last images are uncropped).

Suddenly, the damselfly that it must have been stalking landed on one of the few places that the GH couldn't strike

Probably lasted no more than a second perhaps two. Didn't have time for me to shift my focus off the green heron's eyes and onto the damselfly's eyes - but oh well, I was happy to watch and shoot the scene unfold.


That damselfly made it out fine.

Thanks for watching

[Eric D]

very cool shots!! The Dragonfly on his neck is to funny....

[Old Timer]

Always enjoy your commentary on your images which of course are always superb. Thanks for keeping us entertained.

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

HAHAHA thats just awesome - nothing like up close and personal - just makes ya wonder what the GH was thinking as snack is on its own neck ....

[Cassie1]

I really enjoyed your story Loupey, and your shots are amazing. I love the damselfly images on the GH neck. Thanks for sharing.

[scott-devon]

Great story and photos Loupey, thanks for the laugh!

[Loupey]

Eric, OT, Ben, Cassie, Scott - thanks a bunch for looking and the comments! Glad it made you smile


It is ironic and a bit funny that you can see a part of the previous damselfly meal still stuck on the end of the bill in the two cropped images.

[tufcat]

Real good job on this series, Loupey.

[Jaedon]

It is ironic and a bit funny that you can see a part of the previous damselfly meal still stuck on the end of the bill in the two cropped images.

The one on the neck is probably looking for it's mate. Like in teh cartoons.. "I'll CUT you out" lol

Nice work as always Loupey. Series like these are what keeps me coming back and trying to learn more.

[Lori11]

Awesome shots and great story to enjoy with my coffee this morning ty!

[Loupey]

tufcat - thanks for the words!

Nice work as always Loupey. Series like these are what keeps me coming back and trying to learn more.

Jaedon - thank you very much, that means a lot to me.

Lori - I'm glad you enjoyed it

[paulnj]

That's hillarious how it landed on the green heron and got away.