Tricolored heron striking at prey – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
This Tricolored Heron image has always intrigued and amused me. I’m amused because I caught the moment just before the Tricolored Heron’s head submerged under the water and that I still managed to get eye contact, I am intrigued by how these herons evolved to have long necks that give them the ability to make lightning fast strikes at their prey some distance from their bodies. This Tricolored Heron had been slowly walking when it spotted its prey and struck at it. The heron missed the prey with this attempt but caught quite a few as the heron hunted close to me while I photographed it in a quiet lagoon in Florida.
Mia
Great timing getting it at maximum stretch, as well as the eye contact. The relative stillness of the water around the bird is pretty amazing too.
Thanks Julie, I love the still water combined with the strike too.
Excellent shot, particularly the reflection symmetry!
Thank you very much Subra, and thank you for visiting my blog.
What an image! I love your heron shots Mia. Makes me a bit jealous, but I’m so thankful for the chance to see such striking captures. Keep sharing!
Thank you Bryce, I was so lucky living in Florida for five years to get so many heron shots! Fortunately I can take some of them here in Utah too.
I also love the little blip of water – shows the movement of the strike.
Thanks Sherry, I like that splash of water too
I love heron images, such different looking birds.
Thank you Carol, they are fascinating looking birds.
Hi, Mia, This photo creates such an urge in me to create a comic strip of your tricolored heron’s life along the shore! Your shot really had me not only laughing but also enjoying the wonder…as you say of their evolution and ability to navigate the vicissitudes of life.
Merrill, a comic strip using wading birds would be great fun because they have so much character!
Simply awesome:)
Thanks Susan!
Gorgeous shot Mia.
Thank you much Bob.