Great Blue Heron, Fishing at Gulf State Park

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There have been several appearances of herons here at Flora and Fauna, most have been great blues.  Man captured this one while we were walking in one of the burned (July 2011) areas of Gulf State Park.

One ?benefit? of the burning is we can see the lay of the land and the birds and water fowl so easily.  Man walked out as far as he could on dry solid land to get this photo, as far as he could without spooking the heron.  Just a few mores steps after this photo and it flew off.

Love trying to capture them with the Sony and love the way they slowly walk and stalk their dinner in the shallow waters.

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Great Blue Heron

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Usually in August each year around the stick built, in our natural hole in the ground, swampy, algae covered pond, the great blue heron comes to visit. He is totally quiet, stands perfectly still for long long minutes, then, slowly he will move a few inches.  He moves slower than a tortoise.  This photo taken with the Sony at max zoom of 20 times, the heron was 75 feet or more from the house, in a less than wonderful lighting situation.  I balanced the camera on the deck poles.  Needed a tripod, but the deck poles will just have to suffice.  Not a great photo, but, any photo under these conditions is a challenge and I am happy to have it.



*Herons have been here on Flora and Fauna before, and a white one too.   The photos are much better, the lighting was much better too!  LOL

** Yes, we have a tripod, but by the time I go find it, the photo op is usually over.  LOL
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Great Blue Heron at Grapevine Lake

Always fascinated by these huge and somehow graceful water bird.  Taken at Grapevine Lake from our RV site, 20 zoom, from about 125 feet (or more), no tripod.


One legged sun bathing at the end of the dock.



Slowly walking across the deck.



Getting ready for take off.



And a few friends.