Great Blue Heron Water Cut

[Jim Fenton]

I received a replacement D300 Friday and yesterday I had to photograph the Superbowl of Birding for MA Audubon...and it was mainly people images.

I did manage a little bit of time looking for eagles, but they were distant. I was hoping to find something to try this body on with my 500.

It was cold...22 degrees and much of the river was frozen. I observed this great blue heron sitting on an ice flow coming in with the tide toward me.

I scrambled down the bank as far as I could (it was an ice covered incline and I dared not go lower for a better angle) as the bird flew and headed upriver low to the water.

I locked him, watched him approach and re-acquired focus as the bird grew near. I could see his left wing tip touching the waters surface and fortunately captured one of those strokes. The lighting was lousy, but at least I got to try the new body out :)

The wing tip reflection was intentionally left in the image.

Nikon D300, 500 AFSII and TC14EII. ISO 1000, F8

[Gary Dumer]

Congrats on the New Body, I like the Wing Drag!! good detail for conditions!

[Arthur Morris]

Nicely done. I love the slice and the inclusiion of the wing reflection--acutally, you had no choice on that... The merge of the head with the far wing is just bad luck. Exposure excellent as well.

later and love, artie

[Caroline Darmo]

I really like this, the wing tip in the water adds a lot of interest in the image.

[Del Cockroft]

Glad to see your'e back in business, Jim. Hope the new D300 lives up to your expectations and to seeing more of your work on this really terrific website.