Focused Green Heron

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Focused Green Heron

May 8, 2013 by Mike Powell

I stopped dead in my tracks on Monday when I spotted this Green Heron (Butorides virescens) as I was walking along the boardwalk at my local marshland park.

Only rarely have I had such an unobstructed view of this beautiful bird. My camera was already affixed to my tripod and I slowly opened its legs and set it down, all the while keeping my eyes on the Green Heron. I didn’t dare to make any sudden movements and felt like I was moving in slow motion as I inched my way forward to the edge of the boardwalk.

I don’t know if the heron was actively hunting for prey, but he seemed really focused and unaware of my presence (or was willing to ignore me). Initially upright, the heron gradually leaned more and more forward and appeared to be focusing even more intently.

My breathing seemed loud in my ears and my shutter sounded like a machine gun to me, but the heron hung around long enough for me to get some pretty good photos. Eventually, though, he got spooked and flew away, but I think I have an idea of the general area in which he hangs out, so I hope to encounter him again.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged Butorides virescens, Canon Rebel XT, green heron, heron, Huntley Meadows Park, Sigma 135-400mm telephoto zoom lens | 13 Comments

13 Responses

on May 8, 2013 at 6:48 am | Reply Margaret Haynes Meritt

Beautiful!
- on May 8, 2013 at 7:58 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. The Green Heron is one of my favorite birds. They left my area during the winter and I am glad that they have returned.
on May 8, 2013 at 8:00 am | Reply Steve Schwartzman

“Initially upright, the heron gradually leaned more and more forward and appeared to be focusing even more intently.” Sounds like the heron has read Sheryl Sandberg’s new book.
on May 8, 2013 at 8:41 am | Reply inavukic

What an absolute beauty. Thank you for sharing these photos
on May 8, 2013 at 8:25 pm | Reply naturesnippets

Beautiful pictures! It’s nice to see one. I haven’t seen one in I don’t know when.
on May 8, 2013 at 11:59 pm | Reply lylekrahn

Beautiful shot. It’s funny how loud the shutter can seem in a quiet place.
on May 9, 2013 at 1:56 am | Reply Charlie@Seattle Trekker

These are amazing Green Heron photos. I have not seen this kind of detail captured.
on May 9, 2013 at 6:36 am | Reply New Hampshire Gardener

Those are fantastic shots of this bird that is almost impossible to get close to. I think they have super hearing as well as super eyesight. All I ever see is their tail feathers as they fly away.
on May 9, 2013 at 8:33 am | Reply Sue

He (?) is beautiful. You’ve captured the full range of color.
on May 9, 2013 at 10:11 pm | Reply krikitarts

Congratulations, Mike–what a beautiful session. You’re doing everything just right!
- on May 9, 2013 at 10:17 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Gary. I have lots still to learn, but I am really happy that I seem to be getting some really good opportunities and some pretty good shots.
on May 10, 2013 at 1:39 am | Reply envueltoentela

Wow! What great shots! The textures and color patterns of the feathers came out really nicely. I don’t think we have these guys in my area, but I’m looking out for the black-crowned night herons.
- on May 10, 2013 at 4:01 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I too was struck by the way that the feathers came out. I am not sure if the feathers are more prominent because they are part of the breeding plumage (it may be breeding time) or simply because I was able to get a clear shot from a relatively close distance. I have managed to see a black-crowned night heron only once but am looking for another one.