Nature Photography: Accepting what's offered

[NorthernFocus]

I headed out this afternoon with a gameplan on what/where to shoot. I had staked out a place over the past few days where I expected to get some good BIF shots of the local herons/egrets. Unfortunately they didn't get the memo. There wasn't a bird in sight. So I cruised around on my bicycle to see what was up. Though not what I had expected, the lovely afternoon had a few opportunities.

After a few days of cold it was warm and sunny today. The local reptile population took advantage of the break in weather.

1) Big gator.



2) Little gator.



3) Managed a flyby from the local anhinga.



4) And tested Donald's theory on monochrome vs color for light and texture. In this case he was right.



5) Our belted kingfisher's aren't nearly as colorful as some of their cousins elsewhere but are just as difficult to get near. This severe crop is the best I've done. This one lacks its belt.



6) And I finally found where all the birds where hiding.

[Saorsa]

Somehow, that doesn't look like Alaska. Unless your polar bears are wearing bird suits.

[Shadowman]

Nice ones.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for commenting, guys.

Somehow, that doesn't look like Alaska...

These shots are undeniable evidence of climate change. Our first winter that we've experienced it. So far we're enjoying it and will likely change climates every winter from no on. This year we chose the climate of our childhood on the South Carolina coast.

[John 2]

Lovely stuff as usual Dan. Gators unnerve me. It would be one of those dilemmas. Do I take the shot or get out while the going's good.

[NorthernFocus]

...Gators unnerve me. It would be one of those dilemmas. Do I take the shot or get out while the going's good.

I had a 750mm EFL solution to that dilemma

They do just look evil don't they? Showing teeth and smiling at the same time that they watch you with those beady eyes

[LePetomane]

Dan, very nice post. I am currently in Tofte Minnesota for a few days to do some winter photography. The temperature is currently minus 11 degrees F. I am staying inside today. At least there are no alligators.

[madcrow]

Fantastic series of images. Gator shots I love, menacing looking. Getting to close, I think, might be bad for ones health.

[Wavelength]

Excellent set as usual

[rpcrowe]

Really nice captures... Sitting at the edge of the water is one way to attract the gators but, might not be the most advantageous

[Donald]

And tested Donald's theory on monochrome vs color for light and texture. In this case he was right.

You honour me. This is a wonderful image. Just gorgeous.

[Craigie]

One more great set of images, Dan.

[Suzan J]

Fascinating series, Dan. The gators are not ordinarily something I would expect you to post. The B and W is also very striking.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice set Dan, the last image is my fav

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for commenting, everyone. Yesterday was a good reminder for me to keep eyes and mind open to opportunities.

Paul, I recommend you stay inside by a warm fire.

Richard, a bit of splashing around the water's edge is a sure way to get a gator's attention. Particularly(unfortunately) if a dog is doing the splashing.

Donald, thanks to our discussion I can say this may be the first time that I saw a scene and immediately saw monochrome in my mind's eye.

No, Suzan, I'm sure gators don't come to mind with anyone who knows me or has seen my photos

Binnur, I nearly passed on shooting that last image until I noticed all of the beaks pointed in the same direction. There were actually quite a few more birds preening etc. to right of frame but I noticed these were all standing at attention and zoomed in on them alone.