20 May 2009

Heron jump

Whitefaced heronThe logjam in the lagoon at Flounder Bay is a favourite spot for whitefaced herons and shags. This heron has just launched off — I love the way the feet haven't yet settled into their usual streamlined, trailing position.

All content © 2009 Pete McGregor

8 comments:

Anne-Marie said...

Great shot, Pete - this shows just how beautiful these birds are. Gorgeous colours, elegant shape ... and then those funny feet!

I loved the last photo of the pine tree too.

Batteson.Ind said...

I really like this picture too. it looks like someone has just thrown this fella into the frame, I really like shots which portray things from a slightly odd angle.

Zhoen said...

Agreed, elegant and comical.

And you might like to see the upside down goose photo.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/5353933/Goose-photographed-flying-upside-down.html

robin andrea said...

It always surprises me to see that momentary ungainliness when herons take off. But how quickly too they achieve their stunning elegance.

jelb said...

Bonjour,
Amazing instant capture..Wonderful details and composition..Bravo!

pohanginapete said...

Thanks everyone — glad you enjoyed it :^) (And thanks for pointing out the mid-whiffle goose, zhoen. What an astonishing photo.)

Alistair M said...

I love the shot. Almost looks as though it is flying upside down. Taken with your 300mm?

pohanginapete said...

Alistair, yes, that 300mm's a wonderful lens. It focuses to a third life size, too, so it's great for near-macro work even without extension rings or a teleconverter (the recent crab photo was also with this lens).

Cheers!