I am a Nature Photographer with interests in all things related. Water, flowers, insects and fungi are my main interests but I am happy to photograph wildlife and landscapes and all other of Nature's subjects.
Thanks, Gary. The bird did not go fishing after this but flew off to parts unknown which was a surprise as it’s a very shallow pond and wader fish there often. Shot from the car on a beanbag with my little Canon SX60 at the ridiculous focal “length” of 1365mm.
I especially like the sepia tones of the first. The other detail that caught my eye was the combination of the downward-lying wing feathers next to the upward thrust of the broken snag fragments.
The light was changing as the sun rose so the sepia tone was just that. When I first started visiting this pond there were several snags, this being the last one standing in the pond. Birds often perch here for a while, most often preening.I like its texture and the bird’s ministrations let some feathers proud of the body to complement the broken branch.
I spent 30-40 minutes with the bird and the light was changing as you might imagine. Also there was a ground fog that cleared over time. I didn’t add any fog.
Thanks. I don’t. I can make images but when it comes to knowing where the animals are and how to see them I have little experience. So I am lucky when I do find them. I can find waterfalls much more easily. 😀
I think the main thing is that we live close to a number of places where very specific wildlife are known to be, so it’s easy for us to see them. And then there’s the bobcat that comes into our backyard about every six weeks. And the coyotes, who are definitely not invited. And the deer who, while beautiful, are also not invited because they eat everything that grows.
The tones and the light in that top image are really nice. I like the composition, as well, showing the entire angled branch, and the pose and placement of the heron.
Thanks, Todd. The bird and snag were a good distance but I was able to frame it fairly tight with the zoom ability of the SX60. This is by a not terribly busy highway and I was shooting through my car window so had to move the car a bit to line this up.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Love your top shot, the jaggy trunk and jaggy feathers complement each other so well, and also the light+colour and pensive pose are beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz. Just a few moments can make a big difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magnificent. The frogs & shallow-swimming fish had best beware!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gary. The bird did not go fishing after this but flew off to parts unknown which was a surprise as it’s a very shallow pond and wader fish there often. Shot from the car on a beanbag with my little Canon SX60 at the ridiculous focal “length” of 1365mm.
LikeLike
Oh my~! These look like Robert Bateman paintings. Absolutely gorgeous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s an awesome compliment, Melissa. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very Nice Steve! One of my favorite birds to photograph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine also, Reed. The bigger the better. 🙂 Thanks.
LikeLike
I especially like the sepia tones of the first. The other detail that caught my eye was the combination of the downward-lying wing feathers next to the upward thrust of the broken snag fragments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The light was changing as the sun rose so the sepia tone was just that. When I first started visiting this pond there were several snags, this being the last one standing in the pond. Birds often perch here for a while, most often preening.I like its texture and the bird’s ministrations let some feathers proud of the body to complement the broken branch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! Great portraiture. The 2nd one somehow strikes me as looking like a collage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Robert. I am not sure but maybe the background gives it that appearance.
LikeLike
I assume the mistiness in the second is a treatment during processing, given the greater clarity in the first.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I spent 30-40 minutes with the bird and the light was changing as you might imagine. Also there was a ground fog that cleared over time. I didn’t add any fog.
LikeLike
Remarkable. You should do wildlife photography more often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It’s not one of my first pursuits but when the opportunity arises…
LikeLiked by 1 person
…you seem to do rather well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get lucky sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Skill. Don’t sell yourself short.
LikeLike
Thanks. I don’t. I can make images but when it comes to knowing where the animals are and how to see them I have little experience. So I am lucky when I do find them. I can find waterfalls much more easily. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Completely understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the main thing is that we live close to a number of places where very specific wildlife are known to be, so it’s easy for us to see them. And then there’s the bobcat that comes into our backyard about every six weeks. And the coyotes, who are definitely not invited. And the deer who, while beautiful, are also not invited because they eat everything that grows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do get visits by wildlife but mostly night wanderers. And we have had to stop feeding the birds due to bears.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A compelling reason.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Saania. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLike
These are stunning, Steve. I like the feeling of movement in the second with his beak open. Both are well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jane. The second was my favorite of the shoot for that reason but I liked the light of the first. Stay well!
LikeLike
Nice composition, Steve – the mist adds great softness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Eliza. I am always happy when there is a mist to work with.
LikeLike
The tones and the light in that top image are really nice. I like the composition, as well, showing the entire angled branch, and the pose and placement of the heron.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Todd. The bird and snag were a good distance but I was able to frame it fairly tight with the zoom ability of the SX60. This is by a not terribly busy highway and I was shooting through my car window so had to move the car a bit to line this up.
LikeLike
Pale and subdued, ancient-looking, perfect. The timelessness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do sometimes have a prehistoric look about them and the fog enhances that. Thanks, Lynn.
LikeLiked by 1 person