Little Blue Heron in Tallow Tree

[Russ Norwood]

Here’s another one from last weekend’s visit to the pond near Delcambre, Louisiana, in that same magically soft light. I made this about ten minutes after shooting the spoonbill image I posted yesterday and at similar settings: F5.6 and 1/250, ISO800. Canon 1Dx, 500mm F4IS with 1.4TC, Gitzo 5 series tripod with Wimberly head.

This colorful little blue heron landed and posed as if proud of the way the background colors complimented his breeding plumage. Clean backgrounds are almost impossible to find at that location and the birds favor the cover provided by surrounding foliage, so I was very lucky to get this shot.

I removed several leaves at upper left during processing to open up the composition.



Russ Norwood

[Richard Flack]

Stunning image Russ, love the light, perch and details on the bird. And what a cracking BG. Well done! TFS

[John Robinson]

What an amazing shot. Hard to describe but that BG is out of this world and the framing by the tree and vegetation. Oh- and the bird !!
Great stuff
John

[Russ Norwood]

What an amazing shot. Hard to describe but that BG is out of this world and the framing by the tree and vegetation. Oh- and the bird !!
Great stuff
John

Thanks John, and thanks to you, too, Richard. I got very, very lucky that morning. Hope I haven't used it all up for the rest of the year!

[Ed Kelly]

Beautiful light and great framing. BG is to die for.

Ed

[Robert Kimbrell]

You nailed it Russ, The colors go so well. The leaves add a lot to the scene. A huge thumbs up on this one.

[Mike Poole]

Yep, full marks for that one - great subject, light, techs and framing

[steve torna]

Harmony, grace, elegance, beauty, serenity are thoughts that come to mind when I view this image; one of the best compositions and I do love the soft pastel colors.