Great Blue Herons, in marsh, and in flight

[FlyingSquirrel]

One advantage of being relatively new at wildlife photography, with few images, and few species photographed, is that pretty much everything is game, including common species. Although, honestly, even when I’m further into my career as a photographer, I think I’ll still enjoy shooting what most take for granted. I love all animals, and am happy to photograph crows, sparrows, and whatever else most people are bored of. I think it is a mistake to overlook the common species, no matter how many images you may have captured of them; there is always the possibility for another great image, as each situation is unique in some way. That said, however, I almost made that very mistake recently.

The example of this is my experience with some Great Blue Herons on a recent shoot. I was standing out in a marshy field, waiting for the opportunity to photograph some owls and other raptors. I was carefully watching the owls, keeping an eye on where they were perched, and where they were flying. Throughout this time, there was a Great Blue Heron standing at the edge of a marshy pond. It wasn’t doing much. I didn’t think too much about it.

The light started to get really nice, and I continued to focus on the raptors. Then, in a period of inactivity with the owls, I looked over at the heron. Immediately, I changed my focus over to it and worked various compositions, angles, and poses. Later, between shooting the owls, a different heron came flying in from the left, and my natural reaction was to aim, focus, and fire off whatever I could. When I got home and reviewed the photos, I was very happy with them.

I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to shoot this beautiful bird, in such amazing light, and that I was reminded to take any wildlife opportunities that you are given, no matter how mundane the subject may seem.

[jamn4ex]

Nice bif Matt. The light was perfect. Your natural reaction was sharp, I notice when I first get out in the field my reactions are not so sharp after a few minutes of observing my surroundings they become more in tune those are when I get my best one of my favorite shots is a crow. If one is gonna capture the true beauty he better be willing to shoot those mundane shots. I find something remarkable in all life.

[Bobobird]

Perfect light, exposure, details, colours - everything.

You got it right - everything should be game. I know those who will not take a pic of pigeon, gull, sparrow or any other "city" bird but when nothing is going on they do/can provide a lot of entertainment and shooting practice.

[Saorsa]

I find small birds harder to shoot than the herons and egrets. I live amongst them and the big birds are easy and adjusted to our ways. The little ones are all aflitter and hard to get a sight on. Almost constant motion and often in cover or with bad backgrounds.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Agree with everything you all said.

Yep, smaller birds are seriously tough- you have to get closer and be very quick. Not easy at all. Best way for small birds is setup photography, with bird feeders, perches, audio, etc so you choose your bg and other factors. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you want excellent shots of small birds, that is the way to go.

[Paniaa]

Great blue herons may be common for you but for many of us out here, they are exotic. Great shots by the way

[chauncey]

Matt those are great GBH images. Most birders in the western hemisphere cut our teeth on those big lumbering creatures, myself included, but...IMHO they are not known to be an attractive, colorful bird, what with all the dull grays and blue colors.
Try to include the reflections next time.

[Stagecoach]

Both very nice shots Matt and birds in flight are something I have never captured.

Grahame

[Sergio M.]

I agree with all that's been said. Wonderful light and captures.

Sergio

[bnnrcn]

They are both nice but I especially like #2

[Nancy Moran G]

What I'd give for a sot like #2! Amazing light and clarity.
Nancy

[NorthernFocus]

... even when I’m further into my career as a photographer, I think I’ll still enjoy shooting what most take for granted. I love all animals, and am happy to photograph crows, sparrows, and whatever else most people are bored of...

Most wildlife photographers that I've met share this attitude, Matt. We may not go out of our way to seek out the creatures we've photographed many times, but sure don't pass up the opportunity if/when it presents itself. You never know when you're going to make that special capture with just the right lighting, BG, behavior, etc.

You did capture some glorious light on these guys. The BIF is really nice with the clean bokeh and great techs on the bird. Nice job.

[Brownbear]

Great Blue Heron in flight... gorgeous!

[deetheturk]

Well done Matt,lovely images!

[Shadowman]

Very nice.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks for all the comments and advice, I appreciate it!

[Wavelength]

Excellent shots.... the flight image is superb

[FlyingSquirrel]

Excellent shots.... the flight image is superb

Thank you my friend!