Damaged Bill

This is a Grey Heron, and I noticed that he had a damaged bill. This was taken alongside one of the larger dams in the Kruger National park called Sunset Dam. On the one side you can drive down right to the waters edge. This guy was fishing and I couldnt quite get the right HA. As you sit observing the water, this dam is infested with crocodiles. I dont believe you would get 10 m in the water before being taken, not to mention the hippo's too. Anyway, you are not allowed out of your vehicle. Africa at its best. The BG is water.

Canon 50D
100-400 @ 400mm
1/1600
F/6.3
ISO 400

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand held from the car.

Hi Stuart,
beautiful bird and BG. I really like the sharpness and the feather pattern on the frontside neck. I wonder what caused the beak loss, yikes, and I wonder if it slowly grows back, or does the beak stay damaged?
thanks, ann

I think he can still spear a fish with that half tip beak. I like the feather pattern on the front of the neck too.

Stuart, loved the details here. Bad about the beak. Nature is harsh.

Poor chap but nature is resourceful and I am sure he does well. Not having much luck with Herons on that trip Stu. Well exposed image a bit more HA as mentioned by you.

Thanks a stack for the feedback. Always appreciated.

HA aside a nice image Bro. Love the BG and glad you listen to and follow rules as I'd love to see more posts from you my mate! :) I am sure this fella still gets food.

We can fix these birds, quite often, by glueing a prosthetic bill tip on and it works wonders.

Stuart,

Fine close-up of a bird that has run into some trouble. You're image shows the feather detail with all of its swirls so nicely and I like the pattern on the neck. The background is perfect on this one as well. Good one.

DB

The top of your heron's head is burned or nearly so, but maybe the harsh light helps tell the story of the harshness of nature, which the broken bill also conveys.

Thank you all for the comments and feedback. Always appreciated.