Grey Heron on Hippo perch

[Stu Bowie]

I was parked alongside one of the larger dams in the Kruger Park, when I managed to capture this Grey Heron perching on a Hippo's back. It is common to see this behaviour, and the Hippo's dont mind - Im not even sure they can feel the Herons with their thick hides.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +1.4 TC = 420mm
1/2000
F/8.0
ISO 800

Hand held from the car

[keith mitchell]

We are getting some interesting perches from your part of the world Stuart(Gabriela's Buffalo)you have really captured the moment, excellent work.

Keith.

[shane shacaluga]

Great capture. Beautiful details all round. Love the lines on the hippos back.

Exposure on whites is excellent and bird pops nicely from the brown BG

I would look to see if you can make the birds eye show up a bit more.

[Joe Subolefsky]

Really cool capture. The exposure and sharpness is spot on. Even lighting under the wings would have been too much to ask for. Have about a month before I get over there can not wait!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Excellent capture, Stu. At first glance I thought, what beautiful light and detail on this Gray Heron perching on that smooth wet rock. Then I saw the rest of the Hippos in the BG and smiled at an even greater perch. Wonderful image Stu.




Geoffrey

[Karl Egressy]

Nice open wings position and a unique perch, Stu.

[stuart wanuck]

Love the wing spread

[Stu Bowie]

Have about a month before I get over there can not wait!

Thanks Joe. Which areas are you going to visit?

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the wing position, balancing pose, interesting perch and composition. Well done Stuart!

[William Dickson]

Great frame Stu. The details and pose on the heron is terrific. I love the perch, and also the hippos in the BG with a perfect DOF, which really enhance the perch. Great work

Will

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

In a perfect world, the left wing would get the light too. But, I think the perch sure makes up for it.
What a great scene Stu! You guys got some awesome stuff to work with in ZA!

[Dvir Barkay]

Very nice shot. I mean it would be amazing if you could see the eye of the bird, and also maybe the head of the Hippo, but that would really make it a fantastic image worthy of book inclusion.