Great Blue Heron (with a nod to Celebration for the subject matter)

[DisgustipatedinCA]

I've never taken a decent picture of a great blue heron, and the last time I tried was probably 5 or 6 years ago. Earlier this week, Celebration posted that great picture of the heron sunning itself on the bank. Oddly enough, I happened upon a close encounter with a blue heron earlier today.

I went to the Marin Headlands during my lunch hour to take beach and mountain photos. I did that for a few minutes, then got in my car and drove back toward the office. While still in the Headlands, an area with no real development to speak of, I saw a blue heron walking by the side of the road. It was moving forward slowly, head-back, then head forward while taking the next cautious step. The bird was on the right side of the road, and happily, that side of the road rises about 3 feet from the surface of the road, so I was slightly under the bird, which I thought made for a nice perspective. I drive a mostly silent hybrid car, and I backed up several feet so as to be waiting when the bird made its slow approach into the frame. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I took these shots through the passenger window. I've never been this close to a great blue heron--I was maybe 12-14 feet away with a 200mm lens on a 1.6 crop camera. The shots just kind of fell into my lap. I think they call that a happy accident.

Here are a couple of photos. Have a good weekend, all, and happy shooting.

[Mira]

1. These are beyond fine. They are an experience. Just like you are describing.

Beautifully captured and presented. Love the light in both photos, the clarity of the bird and the backgrounds to set it off.
Both thumbs up !

[Celebration]

2. Wow

I LOVE that perspective. The first one I love best because of the unusual head posture. These are great photos! If my photo caused you to be more attuned to the blue herons in our presence then that is a good thing. Happy accidents do happen, but it all begins with BEING AWARE, which is most of the reason I like photography. It isn't all about the photo, it is the heightened awareness.

Good job, and hope you have many more "happy accidents" in the future.