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Picture of the Day - May 30, 2009
"Blue heron with dinner"
Photo courtesy of
Winston
Rockwell.
(Click on the photo for a larger view)
Mr. Winston Rockwell is a master photographer who specializes in
landscapes and nature, and his amazing photographs have adorned
these pages many, many times. Today's picture is somewhat of a
departure from his "norm", but it's a wonderful picture nonetheless.
Here is his story behind the image:
"Most people have probably seen a great blue heron standing like
a statue along the shore of a marsh or lake or stream, patiently
waiting for a tasty fish to swim by. These large birds - their
wingspan can stretch well over six feet, and an adult can stand
nearly five feet tall - are common across most of North America,
and
varieties can be found in almost every corner of the globe.
But
their statuesque grace belies their true nature... they are
voracious predators, and will eat just about anything they can
catch, from fish and frogs to snakes and small rodents.
While visiting a local wetland park this afternoon, I came across
this great blue perching on the roof of a tree swallows' nesting
box
a couple of feet above the water. At first I feared that the
heron
was trying to get at the baby swallows inside the nest
box, but I
soon realized it was merely using the box as a lookout
perch,
searching among the lily pads for some fish for supper.
Since it
seemed to be actively hunting, rather than merely
resting or
waiting, I decided to watch and see what it would do.
My wait was rewarded less than 10 minutes later, when the
heron
spotted a fish. Now, usually, herons will strike like a snake,
using
their long necks to reach out and catch their prey, but
will remain
on their feet. But this one did something a little
different... it
actually took flight for a short distance, then
plunged completely
into the lake in pursuit of its supper. At
one point, only its
wings, spread across the surface, were
visible!
Fortunately, I had
been ready for it to strike, and shooting at
6 frames per second, I
was able to capture an entire series of
photos, from its first take
off from the perch to its triumphant
rise from the water with its
catch in its beak. Choosing just
one from the sequence of almost a
dozen frames was difficult,
but I think this one best captures the
feel of the moment...
God's creatures are truly amazing, aren't
they?"
--Winston "Rocky" Rockwell
You will find many more of Winston Rockwell's wonderful
image at
www.northwestnaturalimagery.com.
Visitor Comments...
Name: Phyllis Helton
Town: Bristol, VA
Magnificent!!!
Name: Jack Maynard
Town: Asheville, NC
What an outstanding action shot! This one was snapped at exactly the
right time.
Name: Jennifer Gilliam
Town: Ringgold, GA
Fantastic job Mr. Rockwell. I have come to really love your work.
Name:
Gordon Brugman
Town: Gatlinburg, TN
Your patience paid off big time, Rocky! Great capture of a predator
enjoying the fruits of his labor.
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