Wingspan Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Possibly the most photographed grey heron (Ardea Cinerea) in the kingdom of Denmark, given the fact that both Mogens and I stalk him when given half a chance ;-) This photo shows his impressive wingspan, which according to information available would be about 155-175 cm. Height about 84-102 cm and weight about 1600 gram.
On this particular day I came across Mr Heron in a location that's not his usual one. I'd checked his usual favourite place without luck and then continued around the bend in the brook. Usually, nothing interesting is found on this stretch, so I wasn't walking slowly or cautiously at this stage. My dog was way ahead of me. However, suddenly I stopped and stared, because there was Mr Heron, resting on one leg in the rushes across the brook not very far ahead of me. I took a photo, edged closer, took another etc. In total I got about 8 photos while he was getting more and more alert (putting the other foot down and stretching his neck more and more). Finally, I was almost right across from him (about 10-15 meters). Obviously, that was enough, so he flew of and allowed me this final photo when he took a turn in the air to go find himself a quieter place for his afternoon nap.
I know I could have cloned out the wires pretty easily, but for two reasons I didn't: 1: He's aligned himself nicely along the lines, and 2: The lines show how low he's flying.
Treatment: Crop, Contrast +10, saturation +10, USM and resize.

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sunny (3068) 2004-02-14 7:20

Terrific stretch of wings and magnificent sharpness, Bente! The light on his head is accenting on his look so very nicely! I seem to agree with you about the wires - actually, before reading your notes, I thought exactly the same way: first, that the wires are a bit disturbing, then - that in fact it shows how low the bird flies...:-) As I see, dogs do great help to their masters /mine including :-D/..

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nielsenallan (524) 2004-02-14 8:10

Well captured Bente. I think youre right. This bird is not common in Denmark. At least I have never seen one. The colours are very good.

Godt skudt Bente. Jeg har aldrig set dette "dyr" i DK. Dit billede er måske ornitologisk historie ?

c_kyr (1810) 2004-02-14 11:06

Very nice close-up here. Wonderful job and a very enjoyable note to read. Well done!

Motrem (2392) 2004-02-14 17:21

Haughtiness, which scale! Paws rear drawn up as a rudder. Beautiful dynamics, good composition. Excellent image!
Superbe, quelle envergure! Les pattes arrières dressées comme un gouvernail. Belle dynamique, bonne composition. Excellente image!

dovi (1068) 2004-02-15 10:14

Great shot so dynamic (the blurred lower tip of his wing adds a lot to this), and still so sharp , perfect!!

sass (142) 2004-02-15 10:56

Hi Bente.
Lovely shot you captured here. Do you also find these birds near Brabrand sø or near Årslev Engsø? The cables in the background is a bit disturbing IMO, but it could be removed in PS if you didn't want them to be there. Othervise a fine shot, and I like the soft motionblur at the end of the wings, it adds life to the bird. Details in the feathers are fine.
Best regards Sass

Rockyboy (20582) 2004-02-15 11:11

It is amazing that you succed to take this heron flying... Its is very sharp and the colors are really good. I think you were right don't clone the wires. They show the direction where the heron is flying. Well done!

asger (125) 2004-02-15 11:23

Hej Bente
It is a very good shot
I like the grey "colour", and you have a fine sharpnes.

RobBrown (1789) 2004-02-18 18:07

An absalutely brilliant ariel shot I just love the angle of his flight the upturn of the wing tips and his postioning in the frame complete with room for him to go to. brings a whole new meaning to fly by wire, for me only ,I definatley would of cloned them out.

Clochette (8076) 2004-02-21 5:41

A great shot, Bente. Details are very well captured. And what a note, this is good to live this moment with you.