Egret Snack
A Great Egret swallowing a fry in the McDaniel Slough tidal wetlands at Arcata Marsh
A Great Egret swallowing a fry in the McDaniel Slough tidal wetlands at Arcata Marsh
Read less
Read less
Mar, 2015Views
2392
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in predators and prey Photo Challenge
Winner in Breath of fresh air Photo Challenge
Winner in Predators and Prey Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Feeding Time Photo Challenge
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 3Top 10 rank week 2
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the tidal wetlands around McDaniel Slough in Arcata, California. As part of a 250-acre wetland restoration project, a levee that stood for a century was breached two years ago, restoring tidal flow to a large stretch of land at the northern end of Humboldt Bay. This egret arrives nearly every day to fish in a corner of this new salt marsh that's accessible from the trails of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.Time
This shot was taken in the evening with the sun very low in the sky. I usually go out shooting in the late afternoon and evening both for the quality of light and the uptick in animal activity.Lighting
This photo was shot with only natural light.Equipment
I used a NIkon D800 with a Sigma 300-800mm zoom lens, resting the lens on my knee while leaning back against the side of a levee.Inspiration
With the clouds breaking and the beautiful evening light shining through, I decided to see if the egret would approach its favorite fishing spot if I sat on the bank next to it. After a little hesitation, it came forward and caught several small fish right in front of me.Editing
Basic color balance and contrast curve adjustments were made to this photo, and it was cropped for composition.In my camera bag
While shooting birds, I carry a Nikon D800 and Sigma 300-800mm with a Joby sling strap. I usually shoot handheld, and will use a monopod if I am staking out a spot for an extended period.Feedback
Spend time observing the habits of animals you want to photograph, especially when and where they like to feed. Allowing animals to approach you will usually get you a much closer view than trying to approach them; remaining still and silent near an animal's favorite feeding spot before they arrive is a great way to get a close up shot of the animal in action.
