First Little Blue

Gallery: AvianPosted April 19, 2010168 views10 comments

I took a drive down Dune Rd. on the way to the gym and spotted Mike Lotito who was quite focused on something in the marsh. When I pulled up I realized it was a Little Blue Heron which is rather uncommon in these parts, especially so far out east on the Island (they are more common around the city in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge). This was my first time seeing this species, let alone photographing it and I'm quite happy with the results. A thanks to Mike for lending me his beanbag to shoot off of.

Nikon D300s 300 f4 laying on a small berm with off beanbag
f/8
1/2000s
ISO 640
-.33 EC

Cropped to about 55% (had taken the TC off to ensure I wouldn't clip the bird), Sharpened the bird and some of the water.

- Luke

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Greg Cope on April 19, 2010 at 10:15 PM

Great action, and great perspective! I love those droplets of water flying all about. I wouldn't mind seeing it with a wee bit more color saturation.

Registered on January 22, 2007, 212 Posts, 2737 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on April 19, 2010 at 11:36 PM

You're finding the coolest birds on LI. I might have to come back. I like the splashing water droplets too.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on April 19, 2010 at 11:37 PM

Charlie,

I found cool birds when you were here... just not when you were around! I seem to remember Harlequin Ducks and a Snowy Owl

. Maybe Mike Lotito is my birding lucky charm...

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on April 20, 2010 at 12:25 AM

Funny how a common one here marks your first time there. Great timing and I love the wind blown tail feathers

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on April 20, 2010 at 8:52 AM

nice action shot, Luke. I love all the flying water along with an unobstructed eye.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 20, 2010 at 6:13 PM

Good action shot with the water droplets Luke. held up very well with the crop!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on April 20, 2010 at 6:20 PM

Good detail and wonderful water action, Luke. You caught the blue heron dong what they do most, fishing.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on April 20, 2010 at 7:02 PM

Great action here Luke, the bird seems a little light for how I remember seeing them so I'm thinking increasing the contrast with a curves adjustment might improve this.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on April 20, 2010 at 9:17 PM

I know this bird from somewhere! LOL

Nice shot Luke! Like the action and the exposure looks great.

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on April 23, 2010 at 4:54 PM

Cool action shot Luke

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments