Have you had enough of my Great Blue Heron photos yet? As most of you know, that bird is one of my favorites to photograph. I have hundreds of images of them, and probably a good percentage of them should be deleted as I know that I will never show them to anybody. But that’s like trying to decide which of your children you should get rid of.
But I think it is safe to say that I haven’t taken one thousand, six hundred and ninety images of them. That number in the title is the file number of this most recent publishable photograph: IMG_1690. A few of you that are on Facebook have probably already seen the image, that is if you are a FB “friend”. I just realized this morning that I had never posted it on this blog.
We, Ann and I were at Middle Concho Park, where I really see most of the Great Blue Herons that I photograph. Or though it seems. We have also seen them downtown on the Concho River; at O.C Fisher Lake (when it isn’t dry); Twin Buttes Reservoir; and Spring Creek Park.
So this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias),or number 1690, was wading along the opposite short of the river. But that is where I get most of my shots. When they are on my side, they are usually down below the bank, in the reeds, where I can’t get a shot. I particularly like this image. I like the pose, and color of the background and the nice even light. I might even call it my current favorite, that is until I get another one that I like better.
Great Blue Heron No. 1690
Anyway, as usual, I was able to maneuver my car near the river bank so I could shoot through my open driver’s side window. I was shooting with my Canon EOS 7D and Canon 500mm f4 lens with a 1.4 tele-converter. The exposure data was 1/250 sec. @ f6.3, ISO 1000. Aperture priority.
Now, I know that I will be back there again, watching for more Great Blue Herons. I am sure that I will come across more great images, but in the end I will never forget old #1690. Click on the photo to see a beautiful enlargement.
To review or purchase my new book of wildlife and landscapes, that includes this photo, click this link: Book. Available in hardcover or softcover. For autographed hard-cover copies, contact me personally at bobzeller1@aol.com.
I love these birds – they are so majestic and beautiful!
Thank you very much, Fergie. I agree with you.
Wow….what a stunning quality shot, Bob, I can see why it is your ‘present’ favorite of your GBHs!
Thanks, Donna. I really appreciate your comment. I don’t know if I will ever ‘beat’ this one, but you know that I will be trying.
Great Blues have a lot of personality- I never tire of them. Fantastic shot Bob, and best of luck with your excellent book!
Thanks so much for your comment, Traci.
This Heron looks like he is on a mission with very determined strides. Great Photo
Thanks for the comment, Syl. I agree with your description.
Now that’s a heron with attitude and swagger! No wonder you love this photo… it’s in superb condition too… just beautiful…
Thank you very much Merrill, I appreciate your great compliment.
A terrific GBH image Bob, I can see why it is a favorite! I probably have taken more than 1690 Great Blue images but I’m not going to count them because it might make me look greedy for Great Blues!
In retrospect, Mia, I may have taken that many, too, when I remember that when I am shooting, I come up with 3-400 exposures per day. I just tend to go back through old images, and cull out many shots that I think that I will never use, duplicates, bad exposures, etc. Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it.
congrats on the book, Bob. Just got back from vacation and settling in.
Thanks a bunch, Jane. It is always great to get back home.
An exceptionally nice GBH image Bob. I especially like the striding pose and the natural setting.
Thank you, Ron. I completely agree with you, and I think it is one of my best.
That is a stunner, Bob. The detail and colour are so rich. One of these days I will be able to buy your book and I definitely will be requesting an autographed copy.
Thank you so much, Cindy. I always appreciate and value you comments.
I’m a big fan of GBH’s too. Never get tired of them and love your GBH pics.
Thank you very much, Dave.
That’s a great picture Bob, I love GBH also!
Thank you, H.J.
It’s rained here pretty much non-stop for several days. When it stopped yesterday, Scott and I went out to the creek to see how high it was (and it WAS!). We startled a mature great blue heron just a couple of yards from us on our side of the creek. What a majestic creature he was. He promptly swooped off, gliding effortlessly down the creek inches off the water.
I really need to be better at being “camera ready” in my backyard. LOL
Hi, Shannon, that is why I always have a camera in my hands or nearby. I kick myself when I miss an opportunity. I agree about them being so majestic. Beautiful and graceful when in flight. Thanks for the great comment.