Platinum

viewcat

Phyllis_Veit_Tri-colored Herons._edited-1

Phyllis_Veit_Tri-colored Herons._edited-1

Nesting pair of Tri-colored Herons at St Augustine Alligator Farm.

Nesting pair of Tri-colored Herons at St Augustine Alligator Farm.
Read less

NIKON D300S

settings

Aperture f/4.5 ISO 400 Shutter 10/25000

upload_date

Mar, 2014

Views

323

Likes

+37

Awards

Staff Winter Selection 2015

Superb Composition

Top Choice

Absolute Masterpiece

Magnificent Capture

Jaw Dropping

All Star

Outstanding Creativity

Superior Skill

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank

Top 10 rank week 3

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo at the Alligator Farm in Orlando in April when most specials of Florida Birds are nesting or in the process of nesting, building nests, scouting for the perfect place, or looking for mates. These two Tri-colored Herons were in the process of building their nests and courting and starting to mate.

Time

Unfortunately, it was taken around 2:15 PM in the afternoon but was able to adjust for a pretty good shot.

Lighting

I am not to sure, but I would say it was sunny or partly sunny. Some parts of the birding boardwalk is covered which helps on a sunny day.

Equipment

The camera used was a Nikon D300S, Nikor Lens 80-400 Zoom, f/4.5, 1/2500 sec. ISO-400, -0.3 step, Focal Length 80 mm, Spot Metering, No Flash,JPEG File.

Inspiration

In the Spring when the birds are nesting, and some of the breeds have babies, eggs, building nests etc. I just keep shooting for hours or until I can't take the heat anymore. Some of the nests are within an arms reach, others are across the lake in the bushes making it hard for a good close-up. The best shots are on the same side you are. Both Alligator Farms in Florida are amazing places in the spring during nesting time. They are natural rookeries for the birds.

Editing

I did some post processing using Photoshop Elements bringing in some color, using Levels, Lighting, a little Color Enhancing depending on the photo, and a tiny bit of sharpness if the photo will take it. Post processing is different on each shot, and the natural coloring that was available on that day.

In my camera bag

My Nikon 300DS, my Nikor 80-400 Zoom Lens, my 18-200 Nikor Lens, sometimes a tripod, or usually a mono-pod for stability, because it is lighter and I can't walk and carry to good. I usually use a scooter at the parks and shoot out of the window using a foam piece on the window. Lots of SD Cards, and sometimes a polarizing filter.

Feedback

Find a great spot where the birds are in a natural rookery, St Augustine Alligator Park, the Alligator Park in Orlando, some small towns and zoos have a natural rookery depending on the species of birds you a interested in. Use a close up lens for some, definitely some sort of stabilization, tripod or mono-pod, fence etc. Once you see these birds nesting you're hooked.

See more amazing photos, follow viewcat

viewcat

viewcat

Phyllis_Veit_Tri-colored Herons._edited-1

Nesting pair of Tri-colored Herons at St Augustine Alligator Farm.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow viewcat

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.