World Bird Wednesday LXXXII

Catch of the Day

Michigan's wetlands are full of life. Insect, plant, and fish production is in full swing and the herons have arrived to take advantage of it. The trick, of course, is finding them.  The American bittern, to your right, is a real find. They stalk the reed beds hunting for fish and reptiles that make up their diet.  When Bitterns sense they have been spotted, they freeze, their head and slender neck held high imitating the long leafed cat tails. Take your eye off of them for an instant and poof, they melt into the back ground.
    Other of the local herons are not so reclusive; such as the Green, Blue, and Night herons. These birds simply fly away the moment they detect your presence. While it's tough enough getting a clear shot, lighting conditions further complicate the challenge of capturing these waders. Back-lighting has always been a problem for me. I like to have the sun over my shoulder, but who doesn't?
    It seems like I see birds quickly after entering a patch and not so much later. I take pains to plan a route that optimises lighting angles and make sure to click off a few test shots before taking the plunge. Thing is, my exposure might be set for shadow play but what happens when suddenly, a spooked heron takes to flight in a super bright sky, can I remember to change the shutter speed on the fly?
    Since bird photography is still, and always will be, the art of the happy accident I wonder; what do you do to prepare mentally and technically for a day of photography? Of course, nothing happens unless your out there trying!

P.S.
    The thumbnail board that is created by adding your blogs to WBW is an amazing display. Your artistic bent has taken thumbnail composition unto the next level. Thank you for your kind participation as a World Birder and creating this fantastic virtual quilt!
   
      

This is the home of World Bird Wednesday. A place for bird photographers from around the world to gather and share their photographs and experiences as they pursue Natures most beautiful treasurers, the birds.

You don't have to be a Bird Watcher or expert photographer to join in, just enjoy sharing what you bring back from your explorations and adventures into nature!

#1Simply copy the above picture onto your W.B.W. blog entry, it contains a link for your readers to share in the fun. Or, you can copy this link on to your blog page to share WBW. http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

#2Come to The Pine River Review on Tuesday Noon EST North America through Wednesday midnight and submit your blog entry with InLinkz.

#3Check back in during the course of the next day and explore these excellent photoblogs!

The idea of a meme is that you will visit each others blogs and perhaps leave a comment to encourage your compatriots!

Come on it's your turn!