Living in the city pretty much our only chance to see any wildlife is when we catch a glimpse of elusive dumpster divers, or bottle collectors.
So like any normal compartment dweller I head to the park when I want to hear the birds sing. Given the beautiful sun-shiny day the park was full to the brim with gym kids, and seniors with walkers. Not the best combination, but they all seemed to adapt, walking, and weaving, and there were only a few near collisions.
Seemed that all that human wildlife was a little too much for the birds, while the ducks warily circled in the middle of the lake, most of the bunnies had decided to decamp for greener grasses. Even the crows were missing.
The next day I ventured forth once again, this time there was a conspicuous absence of yelling, and squeaking wheels from walkers.
As I carefully aimed my camera at the water to get the best reflected shot of the trees, I heard a voice come from behind me.
Mid sentence it blared into my brain, “I’ve got the best darned shot of a Heron anyone could ever get, you got to be good to do that…”
Startled, I just turned and shrugged, after all there are many kinds of wildlife around here, including this guy. So I ventured up the path away from the annoying “pro shooter.”
Then across the lake I saw it, majestically pirouetting across the lake on the bank, a Heron. I have never seen one here in the middle of the city, and to say I was enraptured is a understatement.
It became my goal to get a little closer and get a better shot. Just as I was sidling down the hillside to creep beside the Heron, a voice blasts out again on the banking above me ”the best darned shot of a Heron anyone could ever get, last frame of a 36 shot roll of film, none of that fancy digital crap that you’ve go there, water dripping off of it’s beak and everything.”
Sigh…yes I know, you are the master photographer, I bow down to you….giggle.
Now can you take off please? I have a date with the hidden Heron.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
That last shot is so amazing!
ReplyDeleteAgree with Suzanne - it builds up to that wonderful photo at the end.
ReplyDeleteAll the more pleasure for me because every one of your pictures came up first time this time.
You got the best shot in spite of the mad hatter!
ReplyDeleteYou can always hope, when the loud mouth has his film developed, the pics he took are not looking like what he saw thru the viewfinder...
ReplyDeleteMr. Annoying seems to be a bit insecure! Love the heron shot - gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWell I think your pics are amazing!
ReplyDeleteWe all know who got the best darned shot of that heron! ;o) Gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing some of your "wildlife" with us....Have a beautiful day! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you praise me for Robin, LOL, next time I might show you some of our dumpster diving wildlife....giggle.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I am so glad that the photos are finally showing up, what a huge frustration, like reading a magazine without illustrations. Just not on.
Raspberry...you are thinking like I was, he was one big annoyance.
And he nearly made me fall into the water I was concentrating so hard, and he spooked me. LOL.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Beautiful shots Jen. Too bad about the annoying expert though.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shot. We used to have many more here in my area than we do now. I love them.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Some of the wildlife at the park is too wild. But the birds are great. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jen, thanks for your comment over at my blog. I really have not understood why some bloggers dislike (to put it mildly) word verification. It doesn't bother me at all, and I know it cuts down on spam. But maybe that's because I've been using a keyboard since forever and I can type pretty fast. Anyway, I appreciate that you fight your way through mine and visit when you can. Your blog is a favorite of mine.
Hugs,
Zuzu
Great shot of the heron.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say your pics far outshine his...you were there for the nature and he was there for the glory...I love that last shot as well!! I have actually had one in my yard at the early spring pond!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot Jen! Funny, living close to wetlands and seeing Herons and snowy egrets daily, I have forgotten how majestic they are. Good reminder..Thanks! Cheers, Jenni
ReplyDeleteYou showed him! Well, you could have with that new fandangled digital camera after you took that gorgeous shot of the heron!! Great shot! Yup, you showed him. :) Have you ever seen a heron in flight? Their wingspan is so wide - amazing. Pamela
ReplyDeleteThe photos are stunningly beautiful and your story is hilarious! Herons are such gorgeous birds. I love living in a coastal area where they are natives. Egrets are another fave of mine. I'm so happy for you that you got to see one in the wild and shoot it despite the human wildlife that was being a pest.
ReplyDeleteCindy at Rosehaven Cottage
good for you for persisting, the close up of the bird was definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteWe have blue heron in abundance around here. You'd think that I could get a picture of one. Haven't really tried yet. Your photo is great.
ReplyDeleteWe've tried, but you succeeded.
ReplyDeleteYou did great..too bad the loud photographer didn't fall in the lake:)
ReplyDelete