Hey Mom
Mother Blue Heron Flying into nest of hungry young one
Mother Blue Heron Flying into nest of hungry young one
Read less
Read less
Jun, 2016Views
106
Likes
Awards
Fall Award 2020
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 30 rank week 1Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This is a unique rookery in Minneapolis Minnesota. There are two small islands on the Mississippi River on the edge of the city of Minneapolis. The islands hold upwards of 70 nesting Blue herons, Cormorants and a few Snowy Egrets. Looking at the river you see the Herons flying in and around the area. Turn to your left and you are looking at the Minneapolis skyline which provides it own photo opportunities. Its a peaceful unique co-existence of how nature adapts to city life.Time
Getting there at Sunrise is the best opportunities for great lighting. Although you have to wait a bit for the sun to get above the tree line when it does its like your best flash has just shot off. You get a good 30 minutes of premium light and the activity of the nesting birds.Lighting
Lighting is key because you do need a telephoto lens to get the up close shots and to freeze the active birds in good light the sun does come into play. Its the first hour of light which shines perfectly at this location. Afternoon and evening lighting does not give you the same quality of lighting with the your photos here.Equipment
Canon 7D Mark II ?Tamron 150-600mm version I lens - ISO 800?Shutter 1/2000?Focal Length 600/1Inspiration
This is a hidden haven and I am inspired by the birds themselves and how they have adapted to the city life and establishing their own unique domain within a major Metropolitan City. The site and the sounds of so many active birds is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to get a taste of nature without having to drive the backroads in the middle of no where. The birds are at a safe distance to live their lives yet often times they will fly right over so you can enjoy them even if you don't have a telephoto lens.Editing
This is pretty much straight out of camera. I did crop it to get the up-close feeling of the photo. I was proud of the fact that I captured at least one eye of each of the birds in the nest. I did adjust some highlight and exposure levels.In my camera bag
I always have 2 cameras with me. Canon 7d Mark II and Canon 5D Mark IV. Lens include Tamron 150-600, Canon 100-400 IS II , Canon 70-200 IS II. Neewer NW561 flashFeedback
Explore the areas you live in. People don't realize the amount of wildlife within city limits that goes unnoticed. If you see someone with a camera ask them what they are taking photos of. I can go shopping at one of the biggest shopping malls in the world and drive 5 minutes and take photos of a white tail buck with 20 points, or a soaring eagle or a variety of different wild animals. Most people drive or walk by without even noticing the activity right before their eyes. Even if it is a small park look around you may be surprised that an owl is staring down on you as you walk by! Nature adapts to us better than we adapt to nature.
