Ted Evans  

Great Blue Heron by Ted Evans

October 2026 - Great Blue Heron

About the Image(s)

The weather days for bird photography in Chicago are dwindling. So, I have been vigorous in getting out to shoot at least three to four times a week. On Tuesday August 18, 2026 at around 7:00 AM I was very fortunate to be driving near one of my favorite locations for bird photography and glimpsed a shape that made me slam on the brakes. On foot, I got my camera out of my bag and tried to sneak up on a perched Great Blue Heron along with about thirty ducks on a large branch over the water. I was blocked from a clear shot and had to approach from a different angle. As I crept closer, all of the ducks took flight. The Heron was concerned, but remained still. I didn't want to flush the Heron, but I got as close as possible and loved this image to share with the group.

Exif
Canon EOS R5m2
Canon EOS 200 800mm
Manual~CRaw
1/400
f/7.1
ISO 250
ON1 Photo Raw

5 comments posted

Toya Heatley   Toya Heatley
The heron is sharp and full of feather detail. I find the sticks on the left and the branch on the right a bit of a distraction but as you said, it's not always easy to get a clear shot. Is this a crop? I wonder what it would look like with more of the branches allowing them to frame the heron?
Certainly one to be happy with :)   Posted: 10/01/2026 23:16:21
Leslie Larson   Leslie Larson
Large birds are fun to photograph, especially when they pose. The greens look a little too bright, but maybe that's just my But it is a very nice capture of a stately bird. I agree with Toya that removing the branches on the left is a good idea.   Posted: 10/03/2026 04:18:30
Michael Braunstein   Michael Braunstein
The bird is very sharp. I am impressed with the sharpness of the 200-800 lens. The green is very intense but since I was not there I do not know if it is too much. It is a green I would excpect in a jungle.
  Posted: 10/03/2026 13:30:52
Tom Buckard   Tom Buckard
Ted, this is a gorgeous true to life image of a Great Blue. The bokeh of the background is super and I feel the greenish tint of the branch and limb is realistic. I too am a major fan of the Great Blue. Feathers, head and legs a very sharp and detailed. I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty to remove the branches on the left. What do you think?   Posted: 10/03/2026 13:57:45
Comment Image
Ted Evans   Ted Evans
I agree with the critiques. I'll be more alert to distractions.   Posted: 10/03/2026 14:00:30

 

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