Smokey skies and a Great Blue Heron in flight – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The smokey skies we had earlier this week at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge created flat, featureless backgrounds when I photographed birds in flight like this Great Blue Heron. On a clear day this Great Blue Heron image would have shown the Promontory Mountains in the distant background instead of the dull gray seen here.
Great Blue Heron flying in smokey skies – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I know I would prefer a more interesting background for these images with blue skies, a few fluffy white clouds and the colors of the mountains that I know are back there. The smokey skies have cleared up some here so maybe the next time I head to the refuge I will be able to create more interesting images of the birds there in flight.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Every painting I’ve ever done of one of these magnificent bitds has sold…quickly,…they area real favorite apparently…definitely one of mine. I love seeing them and I love painting them….these are such great shots!
Agreeing with Kei. And hoping that the fires are under control.
Glad the smoke has for now gone elsewhere but agree it makes for a nice contrast.
I think the smoke adds to the mistique of these birds!
Beautiful, highly detailed photos of this great bird. We have many of these critters around southern Alabama and they are a treat to
watch and photograph.
While the smoke definitely isn’t a good thing, I really like it’s effect in these photos. It allows the viewer to focus on every detail of the great blue heron and not be distracted by landscape. Nice job and thanks for sharing!