Hey George,

OK - how'd you get the angle on this??

James

Well I could tell you that I was out on my board in the surf with my waterproof case, but unfortunately I don't have a waterproof case. I shot this from the beach almost at water level with my 500mm Nikkor.

The monthly challenge finally forced me to visit my old stomping grounds and one of my favorite places, the Shingle Creek Trail. Shingle Creek and its surrounding wetlands are part of the estuary system that forms the headwaters to the Everglades. With the recent last-afternoon thunder storms we've having, the Creek is high and the wetlands are flowing with water and teaming with life.

As I started my walk, I noticed evidence of a recent fishing effort along the Creek. While there is no water actually in this image, the presence of water is clearly implied.



Farther along the trail, I spotted a couple of Ibis feeding on the far side of the stream.



And then I heard some rustling behind me and turned to spot a Tri-colored Heron walking through the underbrush.



When I arrived at one of the bridges, I noticed a Great White Heron sitting on one of the Cypress trees, a Sentinel over the stream.



As I was shooting The Sentinel, I heard a loud slither/splash from just behind and to the right of me. I never saw what caused it but you can bet it got my attention . On my way back to the car, I spotted one more wading bird, a Little Blue Heron.



One hour of my time walking my favorite trail and so many opportunities for wildlife photos! I've missed my special place. It was great to be back there.

Jim

My contribution. Missouri River flood pictures from July 2

Leavenworth, Ks


Weston, Mo


The Iatan Power Plant north of Weston. Two pontoon boats shuttled the workers to and from



These were hand held

James, I think the image of Mahkayla is beautiful. She is such a lovely girl!

Thanks, Peggy! LOL, Chanthee and I adore her. Honestly, I never really wanted a dog (having been historically a 'cat' person) but I cannot imagine myself not having her in my life. She has 'exceeded expectations.'

James

Jim, I love the first one you have of the Blue Heron. They have the same shape as the ones here in the NW, but ours are a much paler blue on most of their body. They are one of my favorite animals.

Tyler,
I think that's a Tri-colored Heron and the one after that is a Little Blue Heron. The GBH is much larger. Here's a shot of one in flight.



I find the coloration of the Great Blue Heron to be much more grey/silver than blue but the size difference is major. The GBH is much bigger than either the Tri-colored or Little Blue.

Jim

Jim is right on with his heron IDs. The Great Blue is definitely the largest heron in the western hemisphere. However, there is a larger one on the planet called the Goliath Heron (for obvious reasons) that makes the GBH look small. Here are a couple of shots of one I caught in Botswana. The wingspan is a good 8'.

Geo,
he looks to be about the size of a Sand Hill Crane! Wow. Cool capture.

Jim