Tri-colored heron hunting (56K mega warning)

[Maestro]

I took these pictures one morning at the Laguna Madre Nature Trail/Wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. I have more to post but I will start here. I am also posting in the Photog and Birders forums since there are quite a few bird aficionados that do not frequent the Lounge much. C & C always welcomed and I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Nature. We need to do more to save it. :thumbsup:

First here are few pics of the wetlands. I'm not a landscape photographer sadly.









I stood basically here while taking the pictures. Notice the bird droppings. It's quite a popular perch. :rofl:



On to business....

Heading into a small inlet this tri-colored heron was searching for the small fish that inhabit the wetlands.


"Hey, what's that?" it ponders.


Better go in for a closer look.


Ready to strike


Sadly I missed the actual strike, but here are the fruits of the effort. I hope this compressed image allows you to see the two fish it caught.


Another view


After eating, it flew onto the deck to preen. This is a funny capture.
:)

I stayed there for hours over a period of three days. I really loved it there. But I had to say good-bye until next time. I left a beautiful sunset...







And I left the heron still doing what it does best.

[Call Me Wesley]

1. Excellent photos as usual!

I'm glad the heron is there and not here. ;)

The shot where the heron stands on the deck is quite funny, and not because of the stature only. You can't tell the size, so the bird almost looks tiny. :hi:

[Maestro]

7. Thanks.

Tri-colored herons are actually pretty small. The pics of mine make it look bigger than it really is I suppose. Don't confuse it with a Great Blue Heron which are pretty big. But to be honest, the tri-colored that is perched is not the same one so it may be smaller than the other one. I thought it made for a good story. I've been caught. Stop being so observant. :)

[BarenakedLady]

2. Stunning

Thank you for sharing them. :thumbsup:

[Maestro]

8. Any time

as usual. I have fun taking them in between the cussing because I missed a shot. :rofl:

[ceile]

3. Amazing pics!

I forgot how pretty Padre is (haven't been since I was little-it may be in TX, but damn it's far!).
I've never been to Laguna Madre. Is that where all these were taken?

[Maestro]

9. All of these shots were taken at what is

officially known as the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. It is located at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Thanks for the comments.

[Inchworm]

4. Thanks for sharing your experience!

The pictures are incredible!

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

5. Beautiful work! I've never heard of a tri-colored heron -- but then, I'm not a bird expert!

I grew up in Florida, so I'm acquainted with the white and blue ones.



http://www.assateague.com/tri-her.html

[bigwillq]

6. Great pics!

:hi:

[lost-in-nj]

10. Absolutely beautiful

just beautiful.....

Thanks for sharing these


lost

[Zoigal]

11. Thanks for sharing

Maestro. Always enjoy your pictures. First time i've seen
a tricolored heron.

[Maestro]

18. They are quite graceful as are most

herons and egrets. Thanks for the comments. :hi:

[Squatch]

12. I think you're full of shit

"I'm not a landscape photographer sadly."

Do you enjoy lying through your teeth to us?

(Truly amazing pics...what a gorgeous bird.)

[Maestro]

15. Funny.

Thanks for the comments. :rofl:

[pitohui]

13. nice photos, this is the bird formerly known as louisiana heron

people scratching their heads and saying wtf may have heard of the bird under its old name back in the day

[Maestro]

14. Thanks for the info.

I first saw the old name when I clicked on the link that Radio_Lady supplied. :hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. My dear Maestro!

Oh, these are just stunning!

I love your landscape pics, and the one of the heron preening is wonderful!

The sunset ones are also glorious......

And the sequence of the heron catching the fish is terrific!

Keep 'em coming!

Thank you... :hug:

[Maestro]

17. Thank you CaliforniaPeggy

I will certainly keep them coming as fast I can process them via Photoshop, converting from RAW to JPEG then making some basic adjustments.

[Theres-a]

19. You made my day.

Glorious!

[Maestro]

20. Cool. Glad to know that.

Been seeing any more hummingbirds? I have only been seeing the occasional ruby throated hummer.

[Theres-a]

22. Yes

We have regulars every day! I got some nice shots of them eyeing their feeder from a branch.,and at the feeder.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2449303430053836039AJGtnP>

[Theres-a]

23. Surreal

When I have more time,I want to try this again.I like it anyway,but I think I can do better.http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2443021870053836039drpMdG>

[Theres-a]

24. One more

I've got alot of pictures,I love to stand and watch them,I could do it all day!
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2763530970053836039YXcWbo>

[Maestro]

25. I'm not sure but that looks like a ruby throated

hummer. Here is my only good shot of one.



He was resting on a perch while eyeing the feeder.

On a side note, on our way back from the beach we took a slight detour through the Texas Hill Country to visit Wildseed Farms to pick up some more seeds for the garden. I saw six ruby throated hummingbirds enjoying the nectar from a cypress plant there. I had never seen so many in one spot before although I know it's common.

[Theres-a]

29. You are the maestro!

Great shot! I've only seen 3 at a time,and they were mostly zipping around arguing about who's turn it was to eat.They are so fun to watch,and they fear no one,despite their size.

[Maestro]

30. Actually, I am not the "maestro."

My nick comes from the fact that I teach in a predominately Hispanic school so many kids and their parents call me Maestro as a sign of respect. It means teacher in Spanish. I am certainly only a hobbyist bird watcher and photographer. But thanks for the kind words. ;) :hug:

[u4ic]

21. I really enjoy your photos, Maestro

These especially are beautiful. The Heron certainly adds to the beauty of the area. They are one of my favourite birds. :)

[Maestro]

27. I have more herons coming up.

Stay tuned. :)

[Richard Steele]

26. Those are excellent photos- thanks for sharing them!

It actually caught TWO fish at once?- amazing!

[Maestro]

28. Any time dicksteele

I enjoy taking the pics and sharing them.