The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The sequence from the initial image of the out of focus strike to the final swallow is 3 seconds. All of these were hand held and change of format to vertical cost me some good action images with the Heron getting control of the struggling gopher where the legs of the bird were cut off or too out of focus to be much use. I was able to watch and observe the bird for about 45 minutes. This was the only productive strike but and just a few alert crouching poses.
Specific Feedback
Self critique would be that I used a high shutter speed and a higher ISO for the action shots.
Technical Details
Nikon Z5 with Nikkor 200-500 lens. f5.6 @ 500 and 640, 1600 ISO.
Excellent series, Stephen. In one of the refuges I go to frequently the herons regularly patrol a large field looking mostly for meadow voles. We do have a local pocket gopher (an endangered species), but they’re not usually in the same areas that herons are in.
Stephen: Whenever I see a Heron with prey I always wonder how long it takes for the critter to die inside the bird and that it must have a cast iron stomach to be able to handle fins, claws and teeth. Great sequence and fine captures. >=))>
Thanks Dennis, This meadow has a lot of plump healthy gophers. I’m going back this weekend and see if it still around, love to get a shot of the wingspread, while slowly maneuvering over the ground, that I have seen them do here. Never close enough.
