A week ago I came upon this happy hunter and was able take a few photos before he flew up to a nest in a distant tree with his catch. The female greeted him warmly, but we can believe the gopher was not so happy about it.This big guy had stood -- patiently -- at the entrance to the gopher's hole and speared him when he popped out to have a look around. Unfortunately, I had to take the photo through a chain-link fence, so one result was a large, round, bright yellow reflection covering the GBH's legs on my image -- thus the crop. Also, I had set my EV anticipating BIF photos of dark birds against a bright sky. (Enough excuses). C&C, please.
Wendell,
You have my get out of jail card for the cut feet...it's ok...:) you did it on purpose, besides, this is one fantastic capture...I love it...so tell me again how this went down...the Heron plucked him out of the hole...:eek: impressive hunter...congrats...:cool:
Love the capture and exposure is not bad !!! I'm fine with the legs since they are cut not clipped ..... and great catch Just wished you had made it to max size to enjoy !!!
For Gus and Lance, a little more info: When I came on the scene the GBH was already standing motionless by the hole; I don't know how long it had been standing there. I watched for ten to fifteen minutes, then witnessed a quick, quiet and short burst of action, but unfortunately not sufficiently clear to determine for certain if the catch was made with a spearing or a clamping of the GBH's beak. Of course, I've seen both done by GBHs with fish. Then the Heron spent about five minutes slowly walking back and forth (just a couple steps) before launching into its flight to the nest in the high tree nearby.
Hunter
