Green Back Heron on a branch.

I went walking this AM with my camera gear in tow. I visited one of our park/swamp/nature trails for a 2.5 mile stroll. It was a slow morning until this Green Heron showed up. The trail had very dense trees above which filtered the suns rays. The rays would cause hot spots in places, but would provide some nice light at times. Here are two shots of the Green Heron as he tried to find something to eat. I also had to use some fairly slow shutter speeds to get these shots. Shot with 20D and 100-400L IS

1/60s f/6.3 at 380.0mm iso800

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That is awesome...how far away were you from the bird?

I'm just about to order the 100mm-400mm lens next week...
Fabulous capture...the colors are amazing...

Very nice, especially the color in the first. What metering mode? If you don't mind my asking. Any EC?

Excellent captures. The change in color of the bird is just fantastic as you shoot from shade to light. I can see the IS working as your images stay crisp and sharp. Well done Keith.

Beautifull shots! One of the greenest Green Herons I've seen

Beautiful shots of a beautiful bird.

johnstoy wrote in post #2106945
That is awesome...how far away were you from the bird?
I'm just about to order the 100mm-400mm lens next week...
Fabulous capture...the colors are amazing...

I was less than 20 feet from him maybe even a little closer on the 2nd shot, he did change positions to another branch.
I do about 98 percent of my shooting with this lens, the ability to recompose via the zoom is a benefit which I often take avantage of. The push-pull zoom becomes second nature after a while!! I think you'll like it...I'll never part with it!!

highlandpiper wrote in post #2106999
Very nice, especially the color in the first. What metering mode? If you don't mind my asking. Any EC?

Both were shot in AV mode with + 1/3EC...take a look here for full EXIF

Reyno wrote in post #2107061
Excellent captures. The change in color of the bird is just fantastic as you shoot from shade to light. I can see the IS working as your images stay crisp and sharp. Well done Keith.

Yes the IS does come in handy in these situations, I did steady the camera on a post while shooting these because of the slowwww shutterspeeds...

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #2107076
Beautifull shots! One of the greenest Green Herons I've seen

Lately, I have noticed a very nice looking color to the back feathers of these green back herons, I don't know if it is the start of a breeding plumage or not, but is very pretty to see!

Two beautiful shots of my favourite little heron. Good technique to compensate for the conditions. Nice work!

great shots keith. early mornings walks make great birding. wish i had more time to do that now that im in college.

Excellent feedback kr88,

The pastel rich colors, of this Green Back Heron, are outstanding...you did a great job reading the lens and capturing the bird at it's prime...

I'm pumped about the lens...

Wow thats a beautiful bird ~great shots

The contrasts between his colors is more pronounced then I usually observe. #1 captures the species perfectly.

beautiful images Keith very sharp with great color and exposure

Hi Keith,
two good captures, when I see these little guys they are always on lily pads which are bigger than them, well executed for your shooting conditions.
Regards,
Clare

Wow...stunning shots. Love the colours and the light in these. Excellent work.