• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

Silent SCREAM

© Michelle Alton

Silent SCREAM

Uploaded: July 13, 2012 04:14:44

Description


----
I just woke from one of my recurring dreams where I am being attacked and am unable to move or even SCREAM.
----
This week the Little Green Heron has absolutely left me in a state of amazement. FIRST of all, this bird, if you haven't seen one, except for the long legs and the length of its neck when outstretched, is NOT a large bird. It's body is not much bigger than that of a pigeon. And yet it eats and eats and eats--seemingly until there is no more food to be had.
---
Except for a few very large frogs and crayfish (not sure this bird can even swallow crayfish) and schools of tiny baby fish, the small frog and tadpole population seems to be depleted now. Sigh. Yesterday I watched for a half hour. He ate so much, he should have been vomiting, I thought.
----
But back to the scream. Several times I've seen him open his beak like this, looking angry. No sound comes out, that I can hear. And then he flies to another part of the pond.


Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/60 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 250, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 400.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Carolyn M. Fletcher level-classic July 13, 2012

Probably choking on a frog. LOL..Amazing he let you get that close. #1474620

Shirley Sicurello level-classic July 13, 2012

Great close up! #10227581

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe July 13, 2012

Fantastic capture of him Michelle! #10227589

Monnie Ryan July 13, 2012

Either he's got indigestion or he's ticked off that nothing's left in the pond worth eating! Terrific capture! #10227636

Danny B. Head July 13, 2012

Great close up and story! #10227816

Yulianto Soeroso July 13, 2012

wow nice shot and timing she cry hahaha #10227911

Mike Clime July 13, 2012

Cool capture of him, Michelle! He might have had indigestion from eating all of your frogs. #10228033

John Connolly July 13, 2012

Might be wind Michelle! A delightful wildlife capture, he sure looks like a handsom chap! Love this capture and your title! #10228217

Tammy Espino July 13, 2012

Super capture!!! :) #10228330

Patrick Rouzes level-classic July 13, 2012

Your skillfull image & info are totally fascinating, Michelle! Thanks for sharing!Hhave those dreams too! #10228390

David Phalen July 13, 2012

Fabulous animal capture!! #10228449

Thomas E. Hinds July 13, 2012

Great capture, Michelle, and I am laughing at the tenacity of such a bird! Very fascinating! #10228484

Neal D. Hatcher July 13, 2012

Fantastic capture -Perhaps he,s angry that there is nothing to catch where he is at the moment #10228515

Rona L. Schwarz July 13, 2012

Perhaps he's just mad that you are so close, Michelle! But then you'd think at least he'd want to make sure you heard him! Seriously, a terrific series and saga of this LGH - I'm amazed that you were able to get this close! #10228582

Michelle Alton July 14, 2012

For anyone that is interested, I was not so close for this shot--perhaps 30 feet. I used the long end of a 100-400mm lens, and then cropped. However, for the frog-swallowing series, I was no more than five feet away and the bird was not at all concerned. I think birds are smart--he had not YET been molested by me, so why should he fear me? He was more than accommodating. But NOW I would like him to go elsewhere and let the life return to this particular pond. #10228692

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

You &

Love It!

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick


Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Michelle Alton.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.