Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
First Kayak Bird
‹ PreviousAvian GalleryNext ›

First Kayak Bird

by Dottie Short

Gallery: AvianPosted November 23, 2011119 views6 comments
I received a kayak from my hubby for my birthday and today was my first outing. Since this was also my real first time to kayak, I took my 7D and my 70 - 200 mm F/4L lens with my 1.4 tc attached. I'm waiting until I feel more comfortable before taking the 500. I am fortunate that I live about 300 feet from a 40 acre lake in Nassau Bay Texas - close to Houston. I didn't expect to get anything significant, but I found a tree with these strange birds arranged like Christmas ornaments throughout the branches. I suspected it was some sort of juvenile heron, and I believe that I correctly labeled it as a Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron.

It was a beautiful warm day in Texas. My clothes and feet were wet but my camera stayed dry thanks to my new water proof bag. What fun I had!!

There are quite a few limbs and branches cutting across the body, but the head, beak, and eye are clear of any distractions. I like my heron. What do you think?

7D, 70-200 mm with 1.4 TC, @280 mm
Hand held from kayak

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on November 24, 2011 at 1:13 AM
Nice b-day present! You're in a great location - I'm envious!
Your ID is correct of a juvie BCNH. I've seen close to 100 in a single large tree - they love company. VERY tough to catch these guys in the open when they are roosting. I'm sure they feel less vulnerable nestled in branches. If yoiu can, be there at dawn and dusk and you'll have a chance at some good flight shots too.
Nice sharp head and eye, and nice overall image!.
Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Hans Overduin on November 24, 2011 at 8:09 AM
Nicely framed in it's habitat ! Pleasant colors as well. And all that from your brand new kayak :wink: Well done ! Cheers, Hans
Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments
Comment posted by Tonia Graves on November 24, 2011 at 7:52 PM
Dottie, nice image here & that you captured it from a kayak is great! I agree with your self critique about the branches, but I think you did great considering the circumstances.
Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 24, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Good job getting the bird so sharp amidst the foliage, and shooting from a kayak. I like the included habitat. Doesn't get any better being in nature, doing photography and getting exercise while paddling!
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Angela McCain on November 25, 2011 at 8:16 PM
I really like this heron image. You have a great view of The eye and it is very sharp with a nice catchlight. I know you're going to enjoy that kayak a lot. I really admire your athleticism. It will be nice to combine it with your photographic skills.
Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments
Comment posted by Larry Daniel on November 29, 2011 at 2:58 PM
Very nicely done. Good to see such good fortune for you on your first kayaking adventure.
Registered on May 2, 2007, 23 Posts, 54 Comments