Sometimes graceful, sometimes gangly, sometimes at the beach, the wetlands, the poo paddocks, regular paddocks or even my garden – always fascinating!
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 800, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
I was stoked to capture this portrait. The heron’s fluffed up feathers around its face and neck make it look quite different than its usual sleekness. It was in the middle of a post-preening shake, there are some tiny, downy fluffs at the end of its bill.
Canon 7DII, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
1/1250, f/8.0, ISO 400
I love watching these birds moving their necks, snake-like, as they stalk. Swaying just their necks, side to side, hypnotically mimicking the movement of reeds, and then they strike.
Canon 7DII, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
1/1250, f/8.0, ISO 400
They are so intent as they forage. I have images, poor ones, of them eating skinks, fish and worms.
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 800
They’re often seen foraging at the edges of shallow waters, salty or fresh.
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
1/2000, f/8.0, ISO 800
The shot above is super-heavily cropped but its the only one I have showing a tongue.
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 6400
And, at the end of a long day, they fly back to their roosting sites in the low, warm light of the setting sun.
Happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Hi Kim,
I wonder if I may use your portrait of the white faced heron as inspiration for a drawing I would like to do of this species? We have them here on Norfolk Island, but I can never get close enough to pull of such a detailed shot! Would really appreciate your help. Kind regards, Sorrel
Hi Sorrel, I’m glad you like my White-faced Heron portrait and thank you for asking about using it as inspiration for your drawing. Are you a commercial artist or would your drawing be for personal use? Kim
Hi Kim! Thanks for getting back to me! I really appreciate it! I’m a bit of an amateur… but in retirement Ive committed to creating an archive of drawings that celebrate the biodiversity of Norfolk Island. I’m hoping eventually to publish a book of all these drawings with the profits going towards a scholarship for a Norfolk island student keen to further their studies and commitment to the environment.
I’m not planning on selling any individual pieces, but if I did, any profits would go into the scholarship fund. If you would be happy for me to work from your photo, I can absolutely quarantine it from any sale – but I’d really love to include it in the archive, as the white-faced heron is a regular visitor to Norfolk and may even be breeding here now! They ave certainly been displaying their breeding feathers lately! If you have a look at my website, you can probably get a better idea of the project as it’s taking shape! Link- norfolkislandsnaturalwonders.com
Thanks again for your consideration.i really appreciate it. And it goes without saying I would be more than happy to credit your inspiration!
Best,
Sorrel
Just after I sent my message I did look at your website, and was very impressed. You create such beautifully evocative artwork Sorel, and what a beaut place to live. Thanks for explaining your project. Could you please send an email with your request and I will respond with my slightly modified written approval note, Kim
Beautiful shots Kim of a species no less loved for being so familiar.
Great to hear from you John, I’m glad you like the heron shots
Exceptional portrait Kim, love it!!!
That’s great Tess, thank you
Stunning captures of a fabulous bird! We are lucky to have some locals around here!
Yes, very lucky! They are so restful to watch – unless you’re a frog or something similar I guess
An exceptional portrait photo. Not often can you capture the individual feathers as you have done.
Interesting wear and tear of the beak. Love the colour of the last one, almost like a lino cut.
I was rapt to get the portrait shot Togram, they don’t often fluff up their feathers like that and it only lasts a split second when they do. Those bills surely take a beating, and now I’m going to have to do a bit of research on lino cuts…
More stunning photos Kim.
Thanks.
Linda.
I’m glad you like them Linda, thank you
Gorgeous portrait, Kim! I agree. They are gangly, yet elegant,and graceful. One of my favourite birds.Wow! I never thought their tongue was like that. Good shot, that one.
Thanks Margaret! I was surprised to see the tongue, strange looking thing for sure
That portrait is superb – and they are beautiful birds where ever they grace with their prescence.
Thanks EC, I think so too, even when they look a bit ungainly.