Green Heron Chick

Gallery: AvianPosted August 9, 2012248 views9 comments

Good news: I found the 3 green heron chicks.
Bad news: They were very timid and did not come out of cover at all.
This is as clear a shot as I could get.

I had a great time watching their baby attempts at "hunting", though. This fellow kept trying to grab damsel flies, and lost his footing several times and ended up hanging upside down on the branch, grumbling loudly.

D800
300 mm
1/160 sec, f/8
Mode: Av
Metering: Spot
ISO: 400
AF mode: AF-C
White balance: AUTO1
Flash: Off

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Rick Turner on August 9, 2012 at 8:48 AM

Great story Sandy. The Green Heron is a tough cookie to get near young or old. Nice capture

Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on August 9, 2012 at 10:48 AM

Good news indeed. This must have been fun to watch them. Thanks for the story too. Nice shot.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on August 9, 2012 at 6:41 PM

Glad to know that it was following it's pre-programmed instincts. Adds some challenge. Considering that, you did very well with this guy/gal. I would have loved to seen a photo of it upside down. Great resolution from your D800 and the exposure is perfect as I see no lost detail on the bird either in the shadows or in the light.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 9, 2012 at 7:15 PM

Very cute and good separation from the bg. While the bg is a bit bright and busy it's not overpowering and works well to give a sense of habitat.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on August 9, 2012 at 9:34 PM

What a wonderful opportunity. I have never seen a green heron chick picture before, way to go Sandy.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Bacon on August 9, 2012 at 11:19 PM

Great story Sandy, a nice look at this little one and a great job digging him out of the tangled mess he was hanging out in. Nice and sharp and I really like the dappled light - good shot.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 56 Posts, 492 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on August 9, 2012 at 11:57 PM

I have the same problem with all nesting herons and egrets Sandy, The chicks are always amongst a ton of leaves and twigs. Keep at it and I bet you'll get a cleaner shot soon as they try to fly. I also had some luck in the past once they are out of the nest like this guy when mom or dad returns with food. they always seem to rush them and come out of hiding then. Anyhow, good luck!!

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on August 10, 2012 at 6:36 AM

Yes, the setting's a bit busy, but you managed a good clear view of the GH
Great details and you pulled off the tricky exposure nicely Sandy

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on August 10, 2012 at 7:41 AM

One of my favorite subjects, nice work catching the chick. Should be fun going after more shots, good luck.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments