Great Blue Heron

[Bill Dix]

Back in March, I had just upgraded my gear with new body, lens and TC, so I went to the local lake for some test shots. In particular, I had never been very successful with the old 80-400 plus 1.4 TC, but the new versions of both seemed to pair well (although I don't do that often). The resident GBHE was lurking in the shadows, but when he leaned down to take a drink, the late afternoon sun nicely lit up his head and bill, which I thought was fitting for the theme. I wish the front log hadn't been there, but what are you going to do.

D7200, 80-400 VR plus 1.4 TC @ 550mm, ISO 800, 1/1250s @ f/8 manual.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, well timed to have the light cast on the Heron's head, and across part of the body, it creates quite a nice moody shot, as if the Heron is 'lurking' in the shadows. Good choice of comp going vertical, and although the reflection isnt perfect, I would leave it in, in this.

[John Robinson]

Nice one Bill and it does raise the old chestnut about reflections. Personally they should be all or nothing but it doesn't always work like that as I am finding with my waders and herons at the moment.! As I always say if you include all the reflection the main bird has to be smaller. My limited gear doesn't like that !
Cheers
John

[Karl Egressy]

Nice light on the head indeed. It makes the shot very nice, Bill.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Tough setting and lighting you had here which made for a less than perfect opportunity, you made the best you could with what was presented. Looks like it has vibrant breeding colours.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Looks pretty good Bill.
I am not usually big on too much post processing, but in this instance I'd make an exception. I'd certainly remove the poop on the log from directly under its bill. Looks like it wants to eat that!
TFS

[Bill Dix]

Looks pretty good Bill.
I am not usually big on too much post processing, but in this instance I'd make an exception. I'd certainly remove the poop on the log from directly under its bill. Looks like it wants to eat that!
TFS

Actually, Akos, that's water coming from his bill. He had just bent down for a drink. I agree that you can't really tell from the image. Wish I had caught him the moment his bill was in the water.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

oops my bad

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone.

[adrian dancy]

In short I love this image. I love the dappled lighting which highlights the interesting parts of the bird's plumage. It looks like you have toned down the background branches? The front log is a bit of an issue but not all habitats are free from clutter and most are not. The water appearing at the end of the bill adds a nice layer of interest. Nice work Bill.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Adrian. Actually the background is pretty much as shot, except for several individual twigs that were catching the light, and I toned them down. I did slightly lighten the body of the bird to bring him out of the shadows.