Gerhard Geldenhuys  


Landing Back on Hippo by Gerhard Geldenhuys

November 2024 - Landing Back on Hippo

About the Image(s)

The image is of a GREY HERON taken in the wild from my vehicle using a Wimberly arm and a Kirk window bracket, supporting a Nikon with a with a 400 mm lens and a 2x converter . F5.6 @ 3200/sec.
This image is one from a sequence of the Grey Heron taking advantage of a free ride on the hippo using it as a fishing platform platform.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
16 comments posted




Leslie Larson   Leslie Larson
(Groups 21 & 94)
I hope that heron isn't about to land on the hippo to enjoy eating its fish dinner. What an unusual juxtaposition.   Posted: 11/06/2024 20:35:47
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
Yes it does so indeed   Posted: 11/19/2024 19:06:40



Jennie Wang
(Group 25)
Very nice image Gerard; you really captured the moment.   Posted: 11/10/2024 00:13:41
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
Thank you Jennie.   Posted: 11/22/2024 16:56:00



Gloria Grandolini   Gloria Grandolini
Wow Gerhard what a nice image - so much action in one shot. Great that you were able to capture that specific moment with the heron about to land.   Posted: 11/13/2024 17:50:46
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
Thank you Gloria . I have the whole sequence of the Heron fishing and chose this one to share . As a bird photographer one has to have a lot of patience and anticipation to get action shots. And luck I may add.   Posted: 11/19/2024 19:13:49



Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Gerhard, sharp image and peak of action. Free landing ground and the GBH has a fish to complement the image. I am guessing this was in Africa, but I may be wrong. The hippo looks like minding its own business. Good timing.   Posted: 11/14/2024 16:10:47
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
The image was taken in South Africa . The Hippos are often used as a "fishing island" and very convenient for these birds to hunt from.   Posted: 11/19/2024 19:01:19
Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Gerhard, yes indeed. Have a look. This is a cattle egrets fishing Island in Tanzania.   Posted: 11/26/2024 11:32:14
Comment Image



Sarita Yeola   Sarita Yeola
Gerhard, wow! Perfect timing.   Posted: 11/14/2024 20:14:43
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
Thank you Sarita. I waited some time for these shots.   Posted: 11/19/2024 19:15:50



Pei-Fan Mu   Pei-Fan Mu
WoW, It is a great moments. A bird about to land on a Hippo with a fish in its beak. The Hippo with her shining eyes open and calm in the sunset. Maybe they are good friends already. Also there is a perfect reflection on the water. Very good photo.   Posted: 11/18/2024 03:19:00
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
Thank you Pei - Fan. This happened in a wild environment and is how nature plays a part. The Heron gets a free ride on the Hippo's back and the fish are attracted by the Hippo's poo which makes it even easier for the Heron.   Posted: 11/19/2024 19:25:25



Jerry Baumann   Jerry Baumann
Gerhard, you caught magical lighting. And you rendered the bird and its wing feathers perfectly!   Posted: 11/19/2024 20:50:37
Gerhard Geldenhuys   Gerhard Geldenhuys
Thank you Jerry. Capturing in RAW and steady support all help when using long lenses at 800 mm.   Posted: 11/22/2024 16:52:09



Kathy Buckard   Kathy Buckard
What a spectular image! Love the light on the hippo's eye area. Lots of action in this shot and perfect timing on the photographers part. Thanks for sharing.   Posted: 11/27/2024 01:32:33