DAY 214

NATURE & LANDSCAPES

Wading Birds

THE GREAT BLUE HERON

If you’ve ever seen a Great Blue Heron wading through a marsh, slowly lifting its stiltlike legs as it watches intently for the minute movements of a swimming fish, it wouldn’t take much to stretch the imagination and visualize a dinosaur wading through a Jurassic-era swamp. This rather ungainly looking creature is surprisingly agile and an extremely accomplished fish catcher.

Observing a Great Blue Heron from a distance isn’t difficult, but they spook easily, and getting a frame-filling photograph could prove daunting. A long telephoto lens is a must. A tripod isn’t necessary if you have a lens with image stabilization. Shoot at the highest possible shutter speed lighting conditions will allow, focusing on the head, particularly the eyes, which have a startling yellow iris and black pupil. Try to snap the shutter when it’s in profile or dipping its beak in the water. If you’re fortunate, you may catch the bird catching a fish. —WTD