Great white egret and others

[art frames]

We are fortunate to have two or three great white egrets in northamptonshire this winter. Great whites range is increasing in Europe but they are still uncommon in the UK (RSPB say about 35 birds in the UK). This one has just happened to come to my favourite reserve and I have seen it three times this winter, once previously with a grey heron alongside and at great distance. This was yesterday, with good light and at about 80 metres.

I made the decision to travel light so all of these shots were taken with the EM5 and 100-300 panasonic lens. I went back today with the E5 and bigma but it was at binocular distance and then flew off to the horizon, typical.



The bird seemed content to preen and I watched for ten minutes before it grew restless. So I switched to settings for take-off and captured this, which is not as bad as it might have been.



As I rang a friend to share my experience a little egret turned up. This is more common in Northants but still a very happy spot.



And then a grey wagtail.



On my way back to the car I came across a goldfinch doing acrobatics in an alder tree. He then righted himself and gave me this lovely pose.



I went back today with the heavy gear without getting quite so lucky. The colder weather and biting wind was hard for us all. I hope you enjoy yesterday's flock as much as I did.

[brian1208]

Re: Great white egret and others

some great shots, the Great Egret is a real catch and the exposure and detail look spot on.

The Goldfinch is a lovely composition with good colour and detail, looks like you had a fun session

[Phill D]

Re: Great white egret and others

That Goldfinch is a lovely shot.

[art frames]

Re: Great white egret and others

Thank you Phil, Brian

It was a lovely day and shows everything looks better with a spot of sunshine.

regards

Peter

[benvendetta]

Re: Great white egret and others

That 100-300 Panny is giving a good account of itself.

[birdboy]

Re: Great white egret and others

That's quite a nice collection Peter. I have recently stumbled across a pair of Great Whites within walking distance of my home. They are on a bit of private land (which seemed abandoned) so I cannot get as close as I would like. I goggled this bird and was surprised to find that same number of 35 being listed. If I can see these birds near me in middle Essex I would guess they are far more common than the 35 listed at the moment.

While I was in Florida doing the theme park thing for the younger member of our family I did come across Great Whites and Snowy Egrets especially in Sea World taking advantage of the free fish fed to the dolphins etc.

[art frames]

Re: Great white egret and others

I cannot get as close as I would like.

Most my spottings have been at some distance too. This was from January when I had the 50-200 plus a 1.4 tc. So about 280mm. Hand held and the birds were a very long way away...



A 100% crop shows the size next to a grey heron. I didn't think I'd get closer than this...so yesterday was a nice surprise.



I have others of these two birds together if people are interested...Just not any closer...

[art frames]

Re: Great white egret and others

That 100-300 Panny is giving a good account of itself.

It has asked to go on its own next time. I'm not sure what to do as it will just show me up...

[Olybirder]

Re: Great white egret and others

Excellent shots of the Great White Egret Peter. I like the first preening capture which gives a great idea of the enormous wingspan. I have only seen them at a considerable distance which was no good for photography. Even then they dwarfed the Little Egrets which were nearby.

The Goldfinch framed by alder catkins is a very pleasing image too.

Ron

[wellyboot]

Re: Great white egret and others

A very nice set, especially the preening pose of the a Great White Egret!

[StephenL]

Re: Great white egret and others

A lovely set of avian images.

[art frames]

Re: Great white egret and others

Excellent shots of the Great White Egret Peter. I like the first preening capture which gives a great idea of the enormous wingspan. I have only seen them at a considerable distance which was no good for photography. Even then they dwarfed the Little Egrets which were nearby.

The Goldfinch framed by alder catkins is a very pleasing image too.

Ron

Ron, In France (La Brenne) I have twice been to a nesting site for Purple Heron. Where they nest alongside Little Egret and have some great shots (well for the distance involved) of them looking like dinosaurs crashing into trees alongside the Egrets with their yellow feet. It is then you realise that they are really big birds and have the poise of ballet dancers in wellies..

Will be going again this year but not sure the time will be good for them. Will look out a picture from before. Peter

[David Morison]

Re: Great white egret and others

Super, every one!

David

[art frames]

Re: Great white egret and others

Uploaded as promised earlier

Ron, In France (La Brenne) I have twice been to a nesting site for Purple Heron. Where they nest alongside Little Egret and have some great shots (well for the distance involved) of them looking like dinosaurs crashing into trees alongside the Egrets with their yellow feet. It is then you realise that they are really big birds and have the poise of ballet dancers in wellies..

Will be going again this year but not sure the time will be good for them. Will look out a picture from before. Peter

This shows a group of young birds waiting for parents and food to come back



At which time it gets a bit frantic



And Little Egrets are there as well. You can see a couple of Purple Heron looking on a bit hungrily.

This was with the sigma 135-400 and 1.4 tc (which was asking a lot of the lens - I was using the hide to help support the lens but one at 1/160 did very well. I just get excited and forget to change the settings )

[Wee man]

Re: Great white egret and others

Thanks for posting these glad I waited or I may have missed the second set a good behavioural set of shots.