The Watchers

Gallery: AvianPosted January 28, 2013252 views18 comments

This is a photo of snowy egrets during what can only be described as an Alfred Hitchcock-esqe event - hundreds of snowy and great egrets gathered along a skinny stream hunting for minnows. If you're interested, more info about the making of this image can be found on my blog. I've never seen something so creepy in my life . . .

Comments

18 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 28, 2013 at 10:55 AM

At first glance the assumption is that this has to be a composite of many separate images, but the longer comment on your blog clarifies that. This is an incredible image in so many ways. The yellow feet; the array of egrets; the black background; the overall positions.

Well seen and well done.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Skip Layman on January 28, 2013 at 11:14 AM

I agree this is really spooky looking, and I love it.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 558 Posts, 1704 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on January 28, 2013 at 11:28 AM

This is wonderful, Ian. I like the contrast between the birds and the background and the sharpness throughout. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 28, 2013 at 12:16 PM

Wonderful image, nice reading about it on your blog. Well done, cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 28, 2013 at 12:41 PM

Well done, Ian. I love the way the reflections work.

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

Comment posted by Marlise Launstein on January 28, 2013 at 1:01 PM

That is really cool! I lthink the bright yellow feet really add color to the image. Great picture!

Registered on August 31, 2011, 28 Posts, 175 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on January 28, 2013 at 1:54 PM

This is really cool! Fantastic job capturing the moody moment. I love the reflections to just add to the overall mood.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 28, 2013 at 3:25 PM

oh, wow! this is just fantastic! what a perfect arrangement of birds and reflections! very well seen.

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

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on January 28, 2013 at 4:17 PM

Snowies. My favorite wading bird. Nothing can put on a show like these guys when they start feeding. Like the reflections, Ian.

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

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on January 28, 2013 at 4:22 PM

Terrific

I've never seen so many in one spot..And to get their reflections...awesome!

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Marsh on January 28, 2013 at 4:46 PM

Love this image. The way the egrets are positioned. Their yellow feet, the reflection, a very unique image.
Well done!

Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments

Comment posted by Jefferson Silva on January 29, 2013 at 6:25 PM

wow, Fantastic!

Registered on December 18, 2012, 162 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 29, 2013 at 10:56 PM

Awesome composition, the reflections add a lot to the success of this image. I like the way that the front egret is sharpest and brightest and takes center stage.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on January 29, 2013 at 11:22 PM

Fantastic image Ian ..love the reflections ...beautifully crafted image..

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by John Launstein on January 30, 2013 at 3:15 AM

Ian, this is at once powerful and surreal. Highly dramatic and executed...well, if not perfectly than pretty darn close! I have no reason to offer suggestions for improvement, because it is the image as presented that delivers such intrigue and force. To say you nailed the techs is a significant understatement on what would have been a challenging capture.

I suspect you should anticipate many accolades and awards on this one, or at least revenue, depending on where all you submit this. Incredible, with primal overtones. Love the graphic impact here as well.

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by Elizabeth Arellano on January 30, 2013 at 1:14 PM

This is fantastic.

Registered on February 18, 2008, 35 Posts, 302 Comments

Comment posted by Elizabeth Arellano on January 30, 2013 at 1:16 PM

There a place her in Providenciales where the egrets gather each evening. It's like this. I've been meaning to take a photo, but I need someone to watch my back. Excellent capture.

Registered on February 18, 2008, 35 Posts, 302 Comments

Comment posted by James Allen on January 30, 2013 at 2:33 PM

Spooky but in a good way

Registered on December 10, 2012, 14 Posts, 232 Comments