Heron Help

[Gahhl]

Iv had my camera now about 4 months and during this time iv learnt unreal amounts about birds and widlife. Where as before i didnt 'look' out for birds i didnt notice how many herons that there actually are flying around and over the last 3-4 weeks iv seen 4 herons flying over. During my last fisihing trip one was stood on the banking of the pond but was so easily spooked it was unreal.
Is there any real way of getting close enough to a heron to get a decent shot. The longest lense i have is a 70-300 so i would also need to know how close id have to be to have the freedom to create a decent composition also

Thanks
Mark

[John]

Hi mark

Nothing beats being in the right place at the right time. Herons spook very easily and soon move on when their space is invaded.

You might have a Heronry near to you. If you can find out if there is one you may have a chance of getting a decent image there otherwise you are going to have to trust on a combination of luck and patience. Luck on having one relatively near to you and patience on trying to get close to it.

John

[glsammy]

Herons are one of my favourite birds to capture. There are two Heronry sites near where I live, and the Herons use the nearby water sources for fishing. As they're not a small bird, it's not always necessary to get too close to them. Herons are nesting now, so if you find out where your nearest Heronry is, a visit will be well worthwhile. The adults will be busy catching fish for the young and flying to and from the nests so giving you a good chance to get some shots.
Try watching the birds you see where they go to catch fish. If they've got a good site they'll return time and again to the same spot, so you can try and position yourself to get a good shot. A Heron intent on fishing will usually play little attention to the odd human, provided your not running at the bird! As with most bird watching a bit of patience may be required.
Here's a couple of my recent shots taken at my local Heronry.
Click on the image for a larger version.

[Gahhl]

Thanks alot for all your help people and i greatly appreciate the quick response.

Thanks Again

Replies still welcome and wanted

Mark

[nightshade]

I have them visit the garden,they usually drop onto the lawn and walk up
to the pond,I have been within eight feet of them at times with my camera
on a table halfway between us.
There are several river places where they fish at dawn and dusk and can be
seen easily from a bridge or footpath there used to be a local Heronry but I
have not checked it out recently,they would hunt in the long grass for frogs
sometimes eels or small rodent
They are beautiful birds until you see them swallowing a pound of goldfish
from your pond in one gulp.
PS ask anglers they could point you in the right direction

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi,

you could try any nature reserves in your area that have permanent hides.Try early before too many people arive if you go at weekends.

neil

[pressld2]

Hi Gahhl,

Don't know where you're based but the RSPB reserve at Northward Hill in Kent has the UK's largest heronry with over 150 pairs of grey herons and 50+ pairs of little egrets. There are regular "Visit to the Heronry" guided walks, the next one of which is on Saturday 19 May and I intend to get there if possible. (There was one yesterday but I couldn't go as Dad's taxi was very busy )

Dave P.

[ron1863]

We have several Herons on our river and they usually have favourite spots for fishing. The best time to take pictures is very early in the morning or at dusk, when they normally feed, but you have to be there before them as they are very very easily spooked. Use a telephoto lens and a tripod.