Baby Green Heron Portrait

[mjdmike]

We had a pair of green herons nest in our front yard this Spring, and the babies just fledged last week.

The good news is that all 5 chicks survived and have left the nest. The bad news is that a few of them have now taken up camp at our back yard koi pond. They are used to people so the just sit and stare at the fish while we go about our business on the patio. We have a net over the pond so the fish are safe for now, but I know it's a matter of time before these very efficient hunters find a way to get to them.

They are eating mostly bugs right now, so I'm hoping they will leave soon when they get hungry. They grow so fast it's amazing. This 'little' guy is about 6 weeks old.

It's impossible to get a clean, uncluttered photo in the backyard, so I opted for a portrait.

Canon 7D, 100-400L, tripod, Av, F7.1, ISO800.

[jfoureyes]

Excellent portrait, Mike! It's been a long time since I've seen any of your work here and really good to see for sure!!!

[jeffclow]

Great portrait, Mike......what fun visitors you have at your place.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Very nice shot Mike.

[ttusa]

So cool to see a Green Heron this close!

[mjdmike]

Thanks Jim, Jeff, David, and Therese.

Stay cool this weekend!

[David Alaniz]

Very nice portrait, color and detail. Great that they are hanging around.

[Tim T]

Cool shot Mike. Nice background. Did you move to Seabrook from Baytown?

[mjdmike]

Thanks David - Yes, it's been interesting to watch. I've always liked the 'greenies', but seldom have been close enough to get many photos. They seem pretty skiddish.

Tim - Thanks. That BG is (unplanned) light falloff. Yes, I moved to Seabrook in February and love it.

[DigitalScape]

Very nice image, Mike - I like the feather details and colors.

[houtex01]

Nice closeup with a nice dark background...good work on this one Mike...

Ron

[Patti Edens]

Beautiful shot Mike! It is so full of detail and the eye is fantastic - sharp and great color.

[mjdmike]

Thank John and Ron, much appreciated.

Thank you Patti. The reflection in his eye is the roof line of our house...

[preames]

Really nice image Mike. Terrific detail and light.

[lhdvies]

Nice one Mike-like the detail & colors!!