I have to travel thousands of miles to find....

...a wild Great Blue Heron that allowed me to get within 10 feet.
These were taken in a creek at the Muir Woods National Monument, from my last week's trip to San Francisco. I know the quality of these two are far from those wonderful GBH photos posted in the Birds forum, but they are my best GBH captures so far.
I think i can officially crown GBH as my Nemesis Bird.

161mm, f5.6, 1/40s, ISO200, EC-0.67, flash.

I like the first shot for the closeness and environment. The second one has the right angle but the light was working against you. Congrats on the captures Fee. Its great to finally photograph a bird that you have been seeking. I know another member here who has had the same issues with the Great Blue Heron and while everyone around him has had many opportunities, he still has not been able to take it off his list.

Cograts Fee, I know what you meen by trying to get close as I have not much luck either.
They are a very interesting bird to watch.

Dan

A long way to travel Fee but well rewarded with two good shots of the GBH.
I saw a GBH on my travels in the States but it was too far for me to get a descent shot.

Thanks for the comment Gary, Dan, Tony.
I truely believe each bird photog has different luck/fate when shooting the same bird in the same area. I begin to suspect the cologne worn by each photog is the culprit.

I couldn't agree more Fee... the cologne makes a lot of difference...just kiddin... I think you did a good job on these captures. The first is sharp and nicely exposed. I like the light falling on the second as it isolates the GBH agains a dark bg and the composition is great on this one too.

These pictures wouldn't open for me...happens sometimes, I get a red x in a box and they won't open. Don't know why....
Karen

Hey, not bad for your first encounter....At least you got him off your "list"...Now for some advice.... GO South East Young Man!! , especially this time of the year...you'll get more than you ever dreamed of... Good to see yah back Fee!

Congrats on the captures . I really like the composition of the second shot ,it is unfortunate the light was not cooperating .

pttenn wrote in post #2136967
These pictures wouldn't open for me...happens sometimes, I get a red x in a box and they won't open. Don't know why....
Karen

Karen, I linked the photos from flickr. Maybe the host server was down or something. Can you give it another try?

kr88 wrote:
Hey, not bad for your first encounter....At least you got him off your "list"...Now for some advice.... GO South East Young Man!! , especially this time of the year...you'll get more than you ever dreamed of... Good to see yah back Fee!

Thanks Keith. Glad to be back. I'll definitely give u a ping (if u don't mind) when i get a chance to visit the Sunshine State.
I will bring my 10-22mm in case they get too close. LOL!

Thanks Chris. I was hoping the bird would turn its head more and look my way in #2 while passing thru the light but too bad that didn't happen.

Pretty nice shots Fee, you'll get the perfect GBH, keep at it.

Wonderful shots Fee, should have come further South. We have plenty year around.

I know exactly how you feel; I have yet to even get a half way decent shot of a GBH.
You managed nicely.

Thanks for the kind words Paul, Dennis, Ted.
I need to visit different regions more, especially now i know where you guys are.

Congrats on bagging this bird. I Like how the colors of the river rocks work in #1.

As Keith said you need to come around to these parts. I know of some Herons who hang out around retention ponds that will literally let you pet them.