The Hunter and the Mother.

[jeeperman]

This Heron was a long way out in the lake when I watched him catch this catfish. He flew in to eat as it was too deep to stand and with the extra weight the lily pads would not hold him. I watch where he landed and stalked him. Unfortunately he was in the shade with sunlit water for a background. C&C always welcome.



The Pied Billed Grebe has made her nest atop the lily pads, right where I can see them but a bit long for the 400mm. Very agressive crop but good enough to share. I was in between jobs for these two shots today and had only a few minutes to spare. She was kind enough to stand and tend to her eggs....otherwise they could not be seen.

[Plumcrak]

Paul, sun-lit water in the background or not...I really like the Heron with the fish. Great capture!

[Muriel]

Very interesting shots. Were you using the 400mm for both shots. They are so clear.

[Bobobird]

Excellent shots particularly #1.

Sometimes a white background like yours works much better then having a really busy one.

[blakemcguire]

I think the background in the second one is a little busy, but otherwise, totally awesome!

[jeeperman]

Thanks all,
I was useing the 400mm Muriel, but honestly neither one is of the quality that it can produce. As for the background, Bobo, I fully agree. It is actually super light blue and white but unless on a white background...you can not tell.

Blake, I wish I could have gotten close enough to give the second shot a background, but being out in the lake, even with a huge crop he is still smake dab in the middle of a big mess, background forground and sides all the same. Which actually in this shot I think works to show where they were nesting.

[FlyFitz]

Cool shot of grebe! I'm having 500mm f/4 mad thoughts again myself...

Sean

[jprzybyla]

I like both of them Paul, both are interesting. The Heron is eating and the Griebe is tending eggs. The first time I have ever seen a Griebe nesting, never imagined that the nest would be out in the water on lilly pads.

[Bobobird]

I dropped back in to give #1 another look - totally awesome shot.

You should have it printed and framed....

[jeeperman]

Thanks Bobo.
Here is an edit inspired by an edit that Joe showed me. I thank you Joe for getting me to see what I was missing. While my edit is not quite as vibrant as yours I think I went a few steps in the right direction. Although, now that I see it posted I am concerned I have lost a touch too much contrast.