Hannibal's Heron

As I was walking the path to find the previously posted Barred Owl, I noticed a Great Blue Heron on the bank of the canal. I was taking some scenic photos of him when a couple walked past me. They stopped when they understood what I was focused on. I told them to go ahead, that I was done with the shot, and was waiting for the fly off shot. They continued on and passed the heron, coming within 8 feet of him. I was amazed he didn't take off. Herons of Illinois are very shy, so seeing this was highly unusual. I've never gotten within 25 feet of one, before it would spook.



I thought I would give it a shot and approached slowly. I took some shots, checked the settings, and stepped a few more...



I thought about sitting down and hanging out with him while he hopefully caught a fish, but my encroachment was too much. He flew to the other side of the canal...



When I walked down the path a bit, he flew back to his original spot. I was just 8-10 feet from him when I took the top photo. What a beautiful bird!

Barred Owl Best & Last

I went back to find the Barred Owl at its day roost location, because the day was PERFECT. It was 50 degrees, sunny, and very little wind. I had to try out my new lens (400), verses my old (300) one. He was at his usual branch, so finding him was easy. I wanted to get in and get out without disturbing him too much. If I could get my shots and leave without a fly off, the day would be a total success, because I always feel bad when I disrupt ANY animal's day. I would feel horrible if this owls interpretation of his own safety led him to find a new roost. I could no longer enjoy his beauty, although I hoped today would be my last time shooting him.

I found a decent angle with the fewest branches obstructing his face and took some shots. I stayed there for a good 15 minutes, before I decided to leave, and when I saw him close his eyes and take a nap, I knew he had to be O.K. with my presence.



I left in the opposite direction and continued on my way, looking for migrants. As I left that area, a few people with RC cars were racing their way towards the woods. I wondered if the noise of these things would disturb my owl.



I made my rounds through the forest, keeping my distance from all the noise and eventually headed back to the car. As I put my equipment away, I thought that the guys were too close to the woods, so I thought maybe I could go back with my equipment, hopefully causing them to move out, thinking they would think THEY were disturbing me. My plan worked. They left that part of the park, and since I had my tripod with me, I thought maybe I could get some really sharp shots with this "perfect day" opportunity. I didn't want a reason to come back to shoot him again, I just wanted to leave him in his peace. As I entered the woods, I knew immediately that he wasn't there. Those noises must have flushed him to a quieter area. That was O.K. with me, because I got the shots I already had without flushing him, anyway. As I walked around looking for birds, he caught my eye again in another tree on the far end of the forest. This tree was much better for photos, because the limbs and branches were not obstructing everything. I set up, got my shots, and walked out again, without flushing. It was a GREAT day!

Wordless Wednesday-Raspberry

Even though this happens to be Wordless Wednesday, it also happens to be my 100th post, which causes me to rebel and cheer! I chose to use words for my personal celebration, and save the silence for next week... The deer chose to blow a raspberry, but did not speak. He followed the rules, but it WAS kinda rude...

First Photos

Monday was rainy, windy, and just plain rude...I recieved my new lens (Canon IS 100-400mm) via UPS, and had the fever for a photo op...My options were slim...As soon as I put in my 8 hours on the clock, I prayed the rain would let up enough for a few trial shots. Maybe a reflection puddle, or a foggy horizon, or a lucky migrator...I came across a few Killdeer...One was faking a broken wing as I approached...and another posed for a bokeh...good enough for my first day's shoot...I went home, and was amazed with the speed of the focus as I tracked some pelicans flying, and the crisp view through my eyepiece, compared to my Canon IS 75-300mm. So far, I am a fan of the new lens...

Barred Owl Day Roost Sighting & Some Migrators

On friday, I went to my favorite spot for migratory bird finds. While walking on the normal path, I thought back to the barred owl I had heard hooting during the day, a few weeks ago. I remembered that over a year ago, I had flushed a barred while walking, and remembered where its location was. I decided to go off the path and investigate that area again, just for kicks. I go to where it was seen, with my eyes to the upper branches, when something out of place caught my eye. Could it be? I looked thru my lens, and lo and behold, there it was!


It was backlit, but I didn't care too much. I finally found my first ever daytime Barred Owl! I took some shots, and adjusted my position for a clearer shot. He flushed, but I watched where he went. I gave him a few minutes to calm down, and strolled in a lazy manner towards him. He flushed again. This time, I could get on his good side (not backlit), so I attempted again. Nope, he wasn't having anything to do with me, so I left him alone, for another lucky day...

I went back with Cuttidad on Saturday, to see if we could get lucky again, and stopped at my last sighting. We both checked the trees, and after a few minutes, I see him. I can't believe it. I turn around, tell Cutti, turn back and lost him. I retrace my steps, but am coming up empty. Cutti questions a spot, asks for my camera, and views the owl again. YEA! I tell her to stay put, that I am going to walk to other side where there is a high path, and get a shot that is not backlit. Her quest was to tell me when to stop to look for it on the other side using our cellphones. I wanted to put me, Cutti and the owl in a straight line, so I would know precisely where to search. I stop where she tells me to, and scan the trees for what seems like forever and am getting frustrated. I can't find him. Thats how well they can blend in. Cutti tries to describe the tree, but I just can't see which tree she is talking about. Finally, I see him and am amazed at how far away he was. I thought for sure, I would be closer on this side. I take a few shots, but can't get a clear view, so I decide to go into the woods alittle deeper, but am careful not to spook him. I stayed parellel to him the whole time, and acted like I wasn't looking directly at him. He stayed for quite a long time, but when I decided to try a few feet closer, he flushed. This is the shot I got with my 75-300mm Canon IS. I mention that lens, because hopefully my next shot of him will be with my new 100-400mm CanonL IS. I'm very excited about this new purchase which was recommended by Craig from Craigs Birds.



After an I.D. given to me by Owlman, this bird was identified as a Golden Crowned Kinglet-Thanks Owlman!




I also found a Brown Creeper, while scouting for the Barred Owl.

Spring Migration: Some are Coming, Some are Going

I went exploring at Gebhard Woods in Morris IL yesterday, to find some migrators and found a Yellow Rumped Warbler, but the shot was crap, and 2 Wood Ducks that flushed before I could snag a shot, and... these:

Great Blue Herons are arriving for their pick of nesting sites.



A Red-breasted Nuthatch will be leaving very soon to find its summer grounds...

Wordless Wednesday-Cross