Morning scene

Grey herons are quite numerous at the small nature reserve that I have been visiting for years now, photographing mainly from a blind. This juvenile was enjoying the sun on a May morning, looking out over a territory in which it is one of the main predators. I liked the warm light and the confident posture of the bird; life isn't bad when you're a young heron here; there's plenty of fish, amphibians, reptiles, small birds and insects to prey on. This image was made with the trusty combination of the EOS 550D and the EF 400 mm 5.6 lens. Your comments are very welcome.

Charming morning scene, Vincent! This young bird is remarkably captured in a waiting pose. Good light, colors, frame, composition, background, reflections ... Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana

A beautiful image of this young heron, very good the composition, the sharpness of the plumage and the warm color. The background of the reflected reed is fabulous. I like the large space left in front of him almost to control his hunting territory, which, as you say, is very rich in prey. ciao Giangiorgio

Hi Tatiana,

 

good to see you again! Thank you so much for these friendly comments, well appreciated! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Giangiorgio,

 

thank you very much for these wonderful comments and appreciation! You have understood and described exactly why I chose this composition. I had all the time in the world, the heron was hardly moving. Kind regards, Vincent

Pardon me while I "focus" my attention on the bird. The image captures its coloration and feather pattern holistically. Additionally, the bird's stance on a diagonal branch is both interesting and illustrative of its adaptability; in all likelihood, it takes less energy to stand on a horizontal one. Vincent, your work continues to prove incontrovertibly how much nature means to you. This image is to any viewer's benefit. - - My best always, michael

Stunning light, pose and composition. Best

Hi Eric,

 

thank you very much for these kind words and your appreciation! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Michael,

 

thank you for your very friendly and relevant comments! Herons can hold this seemingly uncomfortable kind of posture for a very long time, as if gravity doesn't exist in their world. You are quite right about how much nature means to me. Kind regards, Vincent