Green Heron

Gallery: AvianPosted November 15, 2015102 views8 comments

Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: November 10, 2015, 8:22 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority spot metered, ISO 800, 1/200^th, f/8
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac, full frame

Taken earlier this week, on my first visit to the Gilbert Water Ranch since March, and almost as long since I last used the 300/28 and 2x. So, it was good to see that I still remembered how to use it and it still works.

This heron was perched low in a bush on the edge of a pond, perhaps 20 feet from the main trail. There were a couple of other photographers about 50 feet away working the pond who apparently hadn’t spotted it. I simply stopped on the trail, lined up on the heron, and engaged the spot meter since the water in the background was so bright.

I like the vegetation in the frame, did no cloning, and have no intention of cloning anything out of this composition. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. I hope you will view the larger image for maximum impact.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on November 15, 2015 at 3:09 PM

Not even the little stick coming out of the Green Heron's upper breast? sad

Just kidding, Richard...You've done your usual superlative job of keeping the subject in the clear, with really fine detail. Fine image, sir!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on November 15, 2015 at 4:50 PM

Not even the little stick coming out of the Green Heron's upper breast?

Yes, even that. sad

I forgot to mention the plumage: Green Heron should be in adult plumage by November. According to Sibley, juvenile plumage runs July-March, 1st Summer is March-August, adult plumage after August. So the only explanation for the extensive brown on the wings and crown is that this bird is still a juvie.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on November 15, 2015 at 5:54 PM

Lovely detail, Richard, and with the bird that large in the frame and the relatively pastel shades of the other elements, I don't see any need for cloning either. They just add some environment without any distraction worth noting.

devil

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

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on November 15, 2015 at 8:43 PM

Rich, even in the clutter you were able to get a clean shot of this greenie with good eye contact. Good choice with the spot metering.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on November 15, 2015 at 10:01 PM

Some might recommend to clone out the OOF twig coming down above his beak but because of the sharp focus on the heron I don't see it as a distraction, well done Richard.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on November 16, 2015 at 12:37 PM

Amazing detail in the large image Richard. Nice habitat inclusion and the heron is perfectly placed in the frame.

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on November 17, 2015 at 1:58 PM

Nice find Richard. I like the composition and the sharpness of the bird.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on November 19, 2015 at 9:39 AM

Excellent habitat capture Rich, employing your usual techical skill set in presenting the image. Dusting off the 300/2.0x-like riding a bike, eh?

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments