Photographing Herons
Watching herons on the Lincolnshire Fens…..
Herons are an underated bird; elegant, graceful, powerful, deadly. They have it all, the ultimate fishing machine. Herons stand proud on river banks, motionless for what can seem an age they search the waters for eels and small fish moving only to plunge savagely below the surface with their long, sword-like yellow bill to grab their catch with consumate ease. I have always seen herons by rivers or on marshes, seldom on coastal areas but they will venture there during winter.
You have to admire their patience, I have watched herons at most times of the day, unless disturbed they can remain in one place for hours. I have a particular waterway in which I like to watch this one as it patrolls its stretch before coming to rest on a small bridge with a prime vantage point…
Heron on the Lincolnshire Fens
Whatever the time of day they are beautiful to watch, capturing the light with their long wings flapping slowly in mid flight. Don’t just look for them on the river banks, cast your eye further inland, particularly if the river straddles a field or look upwards into overhanging trees. They are not uncommon in more suburban settings, parks are an ideal place to look if you live in a built up area, I have known them pay expensive visits to people’s garden ponds in search of captive fish and other pond life.
As elegant as they are standing tall and proud it is their flight patterns which intrigue me the most. Long, almost lazy flapping of wings can be deceptive for they are capable of sharp, sudden twists, turns and dives if they see something worth turning for.
Patrolling the River Banks
Watching them fly across the skyline of a vast field or marsh is a sight to behold, they fill the viefinder and I for one will never tire of watching them.
Heron in Flight
You’ve got a classic on your hands with the first one !
Superb !
December 29, 2009 @ 8:42 am
Rod,
Many thanks, it was a classic setting. Couldn’t resist it.
Miles
December 29, 2009 @ 9:36 am
Miles,
That first shot - how atmospheric is that? Well captured.
Anne
December 29, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Miles,
You could well put Lincolnshire on the global map with shots like these. Let me know if you’re thinking about doing a one man show….. I’ll definitely turn up for the preview drinks and nibbles, wearing my traditional Lincolnshire kimono featuring herons and cranes, very auspicious apparently!
These days while I’m out and about in the Shire I always keep one eye (only the one, the other is steadfastly fixed on the road or make-up mirror, which ever seems the most critical at the time
) on the verge in case I run over any photographers camouflaged in the misty fens.
Your pictures show everyone how beautiful this county is and sometimes we locals need to be reminded of that.
Cid
December 29, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
The first shot made me gasp audibly (had to explain to husband that it was a picture of a heron at dusk on your site).
Can attest to heron eating expensive koi in the States as well.
Lovely shot - wait for the right light . . .
Laura
December 30, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Laura,
Thank you…just cooking your vindaloo
Miles
December 30, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
Anne,
Many thanks, I appreciate it.
Miles
December 30, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Cid,
I am going to write more about Lincolnshire but from a different perspective which, I hope will prove interesting to those outside the county and indeed the country.
Watch this space!
Miles
December 30, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
Hi all,
I’m late to the party, I know, but better late than never. I have just taken the last half hour all to myself and read through your blog posts that I’ve missed lately. Miles, you have no idea how much I appreciate your posts, your humor, your writing, your photography, your “community.” Whenever I feel the need to “get away” and visit with friends (much like our old 80s TV show, “Cheers”), I hide in my office and come directly to milescollins.com. Please pass me a glass of Pinot Noir and all will be well.
I’ve had some major techy problems lately and haven’t been able to mess with my own blog. Long story, but my site was hacked into and someone changed passwords and totally messed things up. Apparently a whole grid section of my hosting site was tampered with. It’s been a bit of a pain. I did have a wonderful Christmas though, so life is good and I have no complaints.
As it seems to be the case with everyone here, I was also blown away by your Christmas chef photos and these Lincolnshire photos. Your “white Christmas” photos were absolutely enchanting, your kitchen brigade wonderful and your heron shots National Geographic quality. Loved every one of them. You English chefs are a good looking bunch.
Thank you for a great year, Miles. Looking forward to the next one!
Melissa
P.S. Cid, one of the highlights of my Christmas was a wonderful gift from a dear friend. It’s a bookmark depicting the most tranquil winter scene. It’s lovely and reminds me of you. I do wish I knew how to reciprocate. In the meantime, wishing you peace, love and rosehips.
December 30, 2009 @ 11:00 pm
Melissa,
Keep an eye on the post, even in these times of magical computers and virtual stuff, it’s still nice to open a letter now and then.
We can look back on a fabulous year of first class posts from both you and Miles for which I am truly grateful…. can’t wait to see what the new year will bring.
Happy new year my friend to you and Fairbanks!
Cid
p.s. hope the rosehips don’t transfer onto your treasured books… being wild they have a mind of their own
December 31, 2009 @ 8:19 pm