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Olympic Weightlifting Tryouts

© Robert G. Stalnaker

Olympic Weightlifting Tryouts

Uploaded: February 25, 2008

Description

This guy was a blast to observe and put on one heck of a show. He messed around with this stick for some time, played chicken with an alligator and generally acted more frantic than your typical Great Blue Heron. Loads of fun!

f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500, AWB, center weighted average, lens Canon EF 400mm L, handheld, south shore of Lake Apopka near Orlando, Oakland Nature Preserve, 2/25/08.

Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/1000 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 500, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 400.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D

Comments

February 25, 2008

Robert, how close were you able to get with this guy? We have a Great Blue Heron that frequents the park and playa lake near my house, and he is very, very shy. Even with my 28-300 mm lens, I can't seem to get close! #863219

Robert G. Stalnaker February 25, 2008

Actually, a Tri-colored Heron came much closer to me than this guy, maybe 7 yards or so. He was so big in the frame I could not fit all of him as the lens is a prime, not a zoom. First, an alligator was off to the left and the heron stayed much of the time on my near side that helped. I would guess maybe 14 yards or so for this guy. Second, I arrived at 730 AM and this shot was at 1216 PM so the birds had five hours to get accustomed to me and came closer. That is how I got such close shots of the Osprey that I will upload later. Third, there was a partial "blind" as I was under a pavilion. Fourth, Florida species are a bit different as they get accustomed to so many tourists at the nature preserves--today, thankfully, I had this area of the preserve all to myself so there was (fifth reason) no disturbance by others. Lastly, there are a ton of birds down here. I think they feel safety in numbers and don't get spooked as easily--people get "relatively" close to them often.

Later, I am going to upload a photo of an Osprey diving into the water and you will see what I mean about how close I got. It will be titled "Osprey Scissorhands". #5551827

Kristy A. Keene February 25, 2008

Gorgeous Capture! #5552109

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic February 26, 2008

Nice capture, Robert. Beautiful bird. Looking forward to seeing your other shots. #5557855

Kathy Reeves February 27, 2008

Fantastic image of the beautiful Heron!! Excellent!! #5560607

Robert G. Stalnaker February 27, 2008

Thanks Kristy, Kay and Kathy. You just never know when you are out in nature. I have observed many Great Blue Heron's as an Audubon member, and normally they don't put on a show. This guy clowned around for a long time and I got a whole series of shots of him doing interesting things. #5564575

Randy L. Quast May 22, 2008

Very nice I have tryed to get a photo of one of these and they can sense me and they are gone before I can get close. #5964508

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