GBH Courtship: Next Step

Gallery: AvianPosted April 7, 20161,821 views4 comments

After the the last image, we know what the next step is. I think the only thing that might need an explanation is that biting the neck and back are common behaviors that are not harmful.

Last of the nesting herons for this week. I have lots more, but I think four in one week is enough.

Canon 7D Mark II; Sigma 150-600 C @ 600 mm.
1/1600 sec. @ f/8; ISO 320
Tripod
Cropped to 28% of frame.

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 7, 2016 at 10:49 PM

A fitting finale for the series, Wayne. You've done a really fine job on these. Interestingly I photographed mating Tree Swallows last year and they exhibited the same neck biting behavior. It seems to be a very common pattern.

We visited a small mixed rookery in Florida that had at least three heron nests, but they all had chicks already. I'll be posting some of those in the next week or two.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on April 8, 2016 at 3:54 PM

Another educational image on the courtship rituals of herons. Well done behavioral shots. I have enjoyed your series. Good technical photographs.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on April 8, 2016 at 6:55 PM

Nice behavioral image captured under somewhat difficult lighting? I am always amazed at the flimsy nests they construct

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on April 9, 2016 at 6:16 PM

Very nice behavioral shot Wayne, the light looks a little harsh but you handled it well. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments