Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => User Critiques => Topic started by: Chris Calohan on June 13, 2018, 12:36:18 am

Title: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Chris Calohan on June 13, 2018, 12:36:18 am
Their fluffy little heads make them quite adorable but make no mistake that they are already skilled, fast and deadly.
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on June 13, 2018, 10:04:31 am
Gorgeous!
That's got to be one of your best heron photos yet, with that perfect reflection!
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: sdwilsonsct on June 13, 2018, 10:08:24 am
That's special, Chris.
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Chris Calohan on June 13, 2018, 10:26:33 am
Two years ago, directly across from where I shot this guy, there was another sibling duo. This time there were thee little ones and where this guy was the active hunter, the other two had at least ventured out of the nest and onto these logs to practice their hunting skills.

Here's a few more shots of them from yesterday evening.

Curiosity, The First Step is the Hardest, and Twins
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on June 13, 2018, 11:06:08 am
They must think you are a Green Heron, Chris, to let you get so close.   ;)
Great shots.
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Chris Calohan on June 13, 2018, 11:25:43 am
They must think you are a Green Heron, Chris, to let you get so close.   ;)
Great shots.

700mm helps a lot, Eric  ::)
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on June 13, 2018, 02:44:21 pm
700mm helps a lot, Eric  ::)
Hand-held?   ;)

My Sony RX10iii only goes to 600mm.  :(
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Chris Calohan on June 13, 2018, 02:51:59 pm
Hand-held?   ;)

My Sony RX10iii only goes to 600mm.  :(

Of course and from a drifting boat as we turned off the motor as to not stress the little guys.
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: francois on June 14, 2018, 03:45:29 am
Fantastic set. The heron is so focused in the first shot!
Bravo.
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Bob_B on June 14, 2018, 07:37:49 am
Of course and from a drifting boat as we turned off the motor as to not stress the little guys.

Chris: Very impressive technique and photos. Well done!
Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: Chris Calohan on June 14, 2018, 09:01:11 am
Fantastic set. The heron is so focused in the first shot!
Bravo.

In another week, he will gain more yellow in his legs, lose the downy feathers and become one, mean green eating machine. These guys aren't more than 4 or 5 weeks old but look at that focused stare just waiting for a small fish/minnow to come by. When one does, it's all over in the blink of an eye.

These were shot at about 6:40 PM CST with a bit of an overcast sky so the great, green iridescent colors don't show through like they would under sunny skies.

Title: Re: Juvenile Green Heron Learning to Hunt
Post by: RSL on June 14, 2018, 09:02:43 am
Fascinating stuff, Chris. Good shooting.