Heron Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Heron at the Chobe NP. The picture is captured from a boat with a focus of 300mm. I don't know what he is looking for, but for minutes he was in this pose.

The herons are wading birds in the Ardeidae family. Some are called egrets or bitterns instead of herons. Within the family, all members of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus are referred to as bitterns, and - including the Zigzag Heron or Zigzag Bittern - are a monophyletic group within the Ardeidae. However, egrets are not a biologically distinct group from the herons, and tend to be named differently because they are mainly white and/or have decorative plumes. Although egrets have the same build as the larger herons, they tend to be smaller.

The classification of the individual heron/egret species is fraught with difficulty, and there is still no clear consensus about the correct placement of many species into either of the two major genera, Ardea and Egretta. Similarly, the relationship of the genera in the family is not completely resolved. However, one species formerly considered to constitute a separate monotypic family Cochlearidae, the Boat-billed Heron, is now regarded as a member of the Ardeidae.

Although herons resemble birds in some other families, such as the storks, ibises and spoonbills, they differ from these in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched. They are also one of the bird groups that have powder down.

Some members of this group nest colonially in trees, others, notably the bitterns, use reedbeds
(Wikipedia)

pierrefonds, jlbrthnn, alvaraalto, carper, paololg, paura, sacimar, JCG, jafadabret, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

nirvana73 (8848) 2009-09-03 4:49

Hello Achim
good timing
i like colors,light,cadrage,sharpness too
thanks for sharing
best regards
Özhan

pierrefonds (26669) 2009-09-03 4:49

Hi Achim,

The subject is well framed The view is showing the details and colors of the heron which seem to be ready to leave. The blurred background is putting in evidence the bird. THe colors are enhanced by the quality of the light. Have a nice day.

Pierre

Miha2ou7 (4957) 2009-09-03 5:14

Hey Achim,

Looks like a vulture from the first, then you see the head. A nice bird, in what is obviously quite arrid landscape. Finely focused and sharp.

Best regards.

pajaran (3956) 2009-09-03 5:59

Dobar dan iz Srbije.
Lovac ...
Dobra fotografija, boje, glavni motiv, ostrina a posebno tremutak snimka.
Pozdrav Paja.

jlbrthnn (39039) 2009-09-03 6:46

Hello Achim,
Your photograph is spectacular and unusual for a bird and even for an heron. I suppose that it will take its take-off. It is really a beautiful animalist photograph, perfectly clear in front of the vague background. Excel work at the decisive time.
Have a nice day.
Cordially.
Joël

alvaraalto (5303) 2009-09-03 7:08

Hi Achim,

This black heron seems to pose for an artist. The pose is so elegant that you can easily use it for a very attractive sculpture.
I think he is waiting for a flying frog or a flying fish.

Groet Rob

carper (65742) 2009-09-03 9:17

fantastic capture of this Heron Achim,
well taken shot, good sharpness, fine photo job here I like the good photo job, have a good evening.
regard jaap

hardyuno (2615) 2009-09-03 9:47

Hallo Achim,
den hast du aber wirklich extrem klasse erwischt. Super Schnappschuss.
Schöne Grüße
Hartmut

paololg (14261) 2009-09-03 14:47

Ciao dear friend,
sensational and amazing image, for the pose and the shape of this bird, but especially for the excellent technical quality of the photo. Very interesting notes, congratulations for the wonderful reportage!
Ciao, have a nice day!
Paolo

paura (39376) 2009-09-03 16:11

Achim,
A macro está muito interessante, com lindas cores apesar de não tanta definição no preto. Lindo trabalho.

Abraço

Paulo

dvlazar (6488) 2009-09-03 18:11

Very impressive action pose you captured! I love the long neck and elegant face!

Cheers,
Dave

Giorgio (8776) 2009-09-04 1:34

- Incredible shot, just in time, Unconvincing position also of the heron's long neck outstretched, is very successful, well done!
Have a nice weekend.
giorgio

sacimar (7696) 2009-09-04 8:46

Hi Achim,

interesting bird, I'm impressed with his long neck... good composition with great details, well done!

Best regards

Sergio

JCG (25753) 2009-09-04 9:22

Hello Achim,

Technique of hunting perhaps… In all the cases this posture is really unusual indeed. Original animalist photograph and of good quality. Interesting image, thank you Achim.

With all my friendships and a very good WE,

Jean-Charles

bukitgolfb301 (5021) 2009-09-04 16:34

Hello again my dear Achim

What an interesting shot !
Well considerate and appropriate framework indeed.
perfcet shutter chance you have goyyen!
Congratulation on your masterpiece.
Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Have a solid weekend !
Takero

foozi (4735) 2009-09-04 20:59

Hi Achim,
really a confusing shot in the thumbnail, until you see it in full.
nice composition and moment well captured in sharpness and clarity.

regards,
Foozi

jafadabret (40369) 2009-09-04 23:26

Bonjour Achim.
Ton 300mm a fait merveille pour la capture de cet oiseau. Les couleurs tons sur tons sont en harmonie et l'oiseau très net s'en détache de belle manière.
Excellent !
Jacques

pablominto (41398) 2009-09-08 6:28

Hello Achim,

What an original pose from this fellow!
Never seen action like this, but I'm sure he has a good reason hehehe...
Well seen, well framed, and a funny result!

Greetings,
Pablo -

hopsy_life (81) 2009-09-11 3:47

What pose! What he is looking for
regards

Didi (36516) 2009-10-21 17:39

Hello Mr President
Nice catch of the heron with an original strange position.
In the Loire river theese birds are too far for my 300 mm.
Well done.
Best regards.