Taking off

This grey heron takes off with a big branch in its beak that it just broke off from a fallen tree. This same bird was flying back and forth from this swamp-like environment to a tiny island housing a colony of herons. The couples starting a family there aren't friendly at all to each other, but tolerate the others because it makes them all less vulnerable to danger, e.g. from big predators like the sea eagle (the European version of the white-tailed eagle). Your comments are very welcome.

You have been able to catch this magnificent gray heron intent on nesting. As always, the accompanying note that helps to understand the behavior of these birds is very interesting, ciao Giangiorgio

Wonderful gray heron and moment, Vincent! Beautifully captured bird's take-off pose, water movement, reflection, spray, background ... Bravo! Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana

Hi Giangiorgio,

 

thank you for your friendly comments and appreciation, not only of the photo, but also of the accompanying note! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Tatiana,

 

thank you very much for your wonderful comments and your continued support, well appreciated! Kind regards, Vincent

Never before saw a heron doing that. Very interesting work. Best regards, Franz

Hi Franz,

 

thank you for your friendly comment! This behavior can be seen roughly from the end of january until the end of march. Herons build nests purely from branches, so they have to do a lot of this. Kind regards, Vincent

A nice and dynamic image with excellent focus. Kind regards, Sandor

Hi Sandor,

 

thank you very much for your praising words, well appreciated! Kind regards, Vincent

A big wow, Vincent! First and foremost, the image's lighting and DOF are right on the money, resulting in a crystal clear appearance of the bird. Water birds like this heron are impressive to me, not only because of their coloration, size, wingspan, etc, but also due to the power they have in beginning to fly. The image shows exactly what I mean by means of the area of water falling from its talons. Finally, based on your narrative concerning how the pair gets along, I get the feeling that the instigator just might be the male! - - My best always, michael

Hi Michael,

 

thank you for your very interesting and relevant comments! These herons are very powerful birds; if you witness how they capture and eat big fish and even rabbits, rats etc., you'll notice it right away, and breaking off a branch can be quite challenging too. Their wingspan is also impressive indeed. Kind regards, Vincent

Nice capture of this bird flying away with some building material for a nest, Vincent. Love the water spray coming off of the feet. Very nice colors, light and composition. Best regards, Paul.

Hi Paul,

 

thank you very much for commenting on this photo! The circumstances weren't too bad and the bird kept flying back and forth. Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent, fantastic capture with perfect timing and sharpness. I really appreciate your description of how they nest together in colonies. It adds education to the experience of viewing this terrific image. Warmest regards, Todd

Another stunning Heron image (see also Paul Warkockis Heron). Best regards, Arthur

Hi Todd,

 

thank you for this wonderful comment! I'm really happy to see that you like both the image and my introducytory notes. Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Arthur,

 

many thanks for your appreciation and friendly comments! Kind regards, Vincent

Bird at work - perfect timing and a beautiful bird

Hi Vlad,

 

thank you for your friendly comments on this photo! I had several chances to photograph this heron that day; this one turned out alright. Kind regards, Vincent