Little Blue Heron

This was taken at a small wetland when I was visiting in San Diego.

I was lucky to come across this Little Blue Heron resting on a perch

above the water. I had seen this bird once before at this location.

But I have never seen a Little Blue Heron anywhere else. I believe

they are somewhat rare in my area.

You know, it goes to show you what a great capture you can get with a great lens. My Dad picked up a Canon XT for $150 on a free advertising network up here and I am planning on giving it to my grandaughter for her birthday. (bought it from him) Shaelyn keeps using her Mom's Rebel T1i and I am scared the kids may get playing around and accidently drop it.

Here you have used an L lens, and your result is fantastic. I don't doubt if your F Stop/Aperture Priority  had something to do with it. I have loved your series on Blue Herons, but this little one is lovely!! I of course, have never seen one before either. Such a lovely shade of blue. Your focus and detail are exceptional Phil!

A really beautiful shot, very nicely composed too, Phil!

Very nice result and large view shows a so nice bird,this metallic shine and details are very good,compliments.

Beautiful shot Phil! TFS!

Hi Phil,

Beautiful tack sharp Heron. I also appreciate the texture of the dead wood.

best regards Per.

nice one Phil

Excellent capture.  Sharp details and nature color.   Best Regard,

I can't fault the detail and the sharpness of the bird. The natural looking colours just add more authenticity to the shot. But it is the little extras that make it special, the textures and position of the timbers, and also that wonderfully neutral background that just makes the image pop!

Sincere Compliments & Best Regards

Alf

Beautiful bird shot, Best Regard, Tue.

Gail, Ruud, Radu, Les, Tm, Per, Hem, Wanghan, Alf and Tue, thank you so very much for your very thoughtful, helpful and even inspiring comments.   Gail, you mention the Rebel XT.  I arrived at the wetland to look for birds and discovered that my 7D batteries were all dead.  I had to pull out my little used backup camera, the XT.  I had never coupled it to my 400 5.6L.  To tell you the truth, I was surprised at how well it did.  Best regards

A very nice image of this beautiful bird to me unknown, I like the pose of the bird , very good the contrast with the blurred background , ciao Giangiorgio

Very kind remarks Giangiorgio.  I really appreciate your visit.

What an awesome composition Phil! The bird with its wing stretched nicely positioned in the frame. With good detail and a very pleasing background too. You are inspiring me! Sincerely, Rob

Thank you very much for your comments Robert!

Hi Phil,

A wonderful capture.

I am always pleased to see very good lens, like the Canon 400mm F/5.6 L series , used properly (shot at F/5.6) to fully develop the lens capability.

Best Regards, Mike

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave comments on this one Mike.  Really enjoyed hearing from you.  Best regards

Excellent bird photography. Details and sharpness are superb and the composition is just brilliant.

Missed the boat again - me that is.............

This is awesome. You have really got that lens worked out well.......... the clarity and definition here is how it should be.

Many of us should be using this image as our "yardstick" for submitting images to PN. The clarity here is not seen in most of what is posted here at present and we need a wake up call.

I liike everything about this image....... can't fault it...... well done.

Best regards

Thank you Grayham!  Wow, those are very nice words.  They mean a lot to me, especially coming from you.  Thanks again.  Best regards

Thank you so much Lester!  I really appreciate your comments on this one, especially the superlatives :-)

Wow - amazing composition to a well seen shot carefully captured.  The shallow depth of field gives emphasis to the bird and wood.  Great use of negative space.

-Lynne

Thank you so much for your remarks Lynne.  Best regards

like a groovy long coat.  best, jamie