Gerhard Geldenhuys
July 2026 - Grey Heron Altercation
About the Image(s)
Grey Heron altercation was taken in the wild, the Kruger National Park, from my vehicle, with the camera and lens supported by a Kirk window bracket and a Wimberly Arm.
400mm 2.8 Nikkor Prime lens with a 2x converter. Shutter speed 1/800 sec. Aperture at f5.6. ISO 560. Matrix metering.
The Grey Heron is very territorial and are forever chasing and fighting off opponents, coming into close proximity of their hunting ground, so to speak. I happened to be in the right place at the right time to capture this image which happens at speed.
6 comments posted
What a sight, Gerhard - you were indeed, there at the right time to capture this exciting duel! Light is good, your aperture gave a soft background that helped make these birds really stand out. I wish these birds had been sharper, though. On a closer zoom, the birds seem a bit soft. A faster speed could have helped here. I have taken advice from several bird photographers and programmed my cameras to shoot 1/3200 for birds. Sometimes I have to push my ISO to uncomfortable limits, but with the exception of hummingbirds (usually 1/4000), the 1/3200 usually enables me to get sharp detail on my birds. Sounds like you have a great setup with your Kirk window bracket and Wimberly arm - and some great locations for bird shoots, too, as you always seem to come up with great shots, Gerhard! Posted: 07/01/2026 06:05:54
Thank you Grace for your positive comments and suggestions. The problem with the images that we submit is that they have been reduced to smaller file sizes and if one tries to zoom in, it tends to pixelate and appears not so sharp anymore. ?
I absolutely agree with the 1/3200 sec shutter speed on fast action bird photograhy. Posted: 07/09/2026 09:06:55
I absolutely agree with the 1/3200 sec shutter speed on fast action bird photograhy. Posted: 07/09/2026 09:06:55
Very good action shot. You were on them at the right time. Nicely processed. Everything looks great with one minor comment. I would like the image to have just a bit more space above and below the birds, not cropped vertically quite so close. I think a very soft vignette around the birds would have worked nicely. Posted: 07/01/2026 21:27:17
Thanks Doug , so noted Posted: 07/09/2026 09:09:00
Gerhard, yes the interaction of both GBH is great. They are very territorial as you have mentioned. Sometimes the females are a little more promiscuous. Once I saw one sitting at the nest, but matted with two different males one after the other. Nice non distracting background. Posted: 07/06/2026 17:06:42
Great shot! To get two herons fighting is super. A little more space around them might add to the photo. I like the blue against the soft brownish background. Thanks for sharing Posted: 07/12/2026 20:43:56