25 January 2014

White-faced Heron


Walking along the Wangi-Wangi foreshore, this White-faced Heron was just as intent on me as I was on him.  Keeping my distance, I didn't want to intimidate him, nor spoil the opportunity to get a few pics.






at this point we parted company; you go your way, I'll go mine

Along the foreshore where the heron walked, I sat on this seat to cool in the shade for a short while and noted the little white shell under the large Casuarina (she-oak) tree,  to my left.  You can just make it out, sitting there (if you know where to look)

wonder which bird it belonged?

36 comments:

Unknown said...

That seat is in a perfect spot, plenty of shade and nice views Carole.

Irma said...

Beautiful pictures of the White-faced Heron.
Beautiful area also where you walked.
Have a great weekend, Carole.

Anonymous said...

wonderful admissions of this bird!
I wish nice week-end you!
Dear greeting Elke

Elizabeth Edwards said...

long & lean. what a beautiful bird. i love the colors. ( :

Christian Perrin said...

I have a soft spot for this Heron. It's daintier than the big overseas varieties, more like a blue-grey Egret instead. You got some great photos of it!

eileeninmd said...

A gorgeous heron, great sighting. It seems to be watching you too! Great shots, Carole! Have a happy weekend!

Ramakrishnan said...

Amazing and adorable heron !

DeniseinVA said...

A beautiful bird indeed! Love these close ups, your photos are fantastic!

TexWisGirl said...

such a handsome thing!!!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful bird- great shots...and what a peaceful spot to sit awhile and enjoy nature.

Montanagirl said...

Great shots of a beautiful bird! I've never seen a White-faced Heron.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Neat find the little shell. Did you keep it? I do and have a little collection of egg shell halves. Some have wonderful coloration to them.

Lisa Gordon said...

Beautiful portraits of this magnificent creature, Carole!

Karen said...

What an elegant looking heron!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

A bit sad to see the broken egg, but that's part of life. The heron looks like our great blue wearing a mask! I love to watch how patient they are,

Dianne said...

How fortunate to get these lovely close-up pics of the white-faced heron. I captured a few in the shallows near Pt Lincoln last week but even with the zoom lens they are still not good clear shots.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Herons are certainly one of my favourite species too.

Carole M. said...

tks again for all your comments, and to John,

Sinbad: I hadn't thought to pick up that egg shell

Brian King said...

What a handsome dude! I love herons of all species and enjoy seeing the ones we don't have here.

diane b said...

They look so elegant walking along the foreshore but so when in a tree.

Jeanne said...

Amazing shots of this heron. i have to ask you, what sort of lens do you use for these shots? I went out yesterday with a pretty big telephoto lens, but was so far away I really needed a telescope. Are you able to get as close to most of these birds as it looks. Can't wait to see the birds on the coast on my first "birding adventure". I met a man today on a walk who had a friend who made a documentary in Australia on birds. I couldnt help thinking that this man would have been lucky to get some of your shots for it. Very wonderful photos that you get!

Carole M. said...

Jeanne: thanks, you will see my camera info over in the side bar, there is a link to it's specs. It's a bridge-camera, i.e. single lens super-zoom. You have to hang onto them tight for the full-zoom as you might imagine. For these shots I wasn't full-extension of 215mm (=1200mm), but just at 140mm only.

Obviously, the bigger the bird, like this one, the closer it appears too.

Many of my photos you will have noticed already, are often, of a much smaller bird, up very high in a tree. The chances of getting a half-decent shot narrow down a lot then because of the mechanics of this camera, but at least for me, a decent 'record shot' is good.

Pros: No excessive weight, portable. For birding, you're often walking around lots, and waiting, hanging on to your camera at the ready. The heavier the gear, the more power you need.

Cons: You get what you pay for. Can't expect to get as good as any professional gear offers. I just have to live with that part :)

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful looking bird, and it is the egg of a Dodo bird.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful looking bird, and it is the egg of a Dodo bird.

Carole M. said...

...aaaah gosh Bob - if only I'd have known!!!

Helma said...

How nice that you saw this White-faced Heron and could photograph engraving. Always nice to see. These large birds The eggshell is unknown to me lol ...... also

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Marvelous photos of this wonderful heron. Amazing !
Best regards, Synnöve

Dzjiedzjee said...

I just love your pictures of our feathered friends Carole ;-)

Hope you'll have a great week!
http://dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

Wally Jones said...

Carole, seems like a great place to walk a bit, rest a bit, bird watch a bit - relax a lot!

Great shots of the Heron!

EG CameraGirl said...

Never heard of a white-faced heron before. I confess that I love herons. ;))

Sharon Wagner said...

That is a new Heron to me. And a mystery egg. Hmmm.

Unknown said...

Lovely pictures.....

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Very nice job. Marshes, wetlands and shores are some of my favourite birding locations. The presence of a heron always seems to add the final touch to the bird life there.

Arnoya Ari said...

Noble-looking bird!

Sharyl said...

What a lovely creature! I was really drawn to the colors of the heron as well of the blue-gray of the water in the early photos! It still amazes me you can get such clear, close-up views, Carole!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Kookaburra! Surely the most iconic of Australian birds.