The Weather finally cooperated. Just a couple of 'stills' of a Great Blue Heron who seemed to believe he was an Anhinga. He seemed to be drying off. The top shot is cropped a bit...otherwise SOOC. The tight shot is not cropped...just zoomed a bit further, and SOOC. Nikon didn't pinch-pennies when it came to the glass in this camera. It compares favorably with my top-of-the-line Nikkor glass.
I just wish the camera had more resolution/larger sensor. Still, it's their best effort yet to produce an all-in-one SuperZoom "Bridge" camera (I've tried every one!).
The biggest negative for some users will be THE SIZE. Although not quite as heavy, it's about the same size as my D850 w/24-120 lens.
jdub82
Loc: Northern California
Nice shots! Thank you for posting. It is great to know that the P1000 produces very sharp images even when zoomed in. The size of the camera alone would cause me to hesitate about purchasing one, though I'm a fan of the super zooms. My Canon SX50 will continue to fulfill that role for my needs.
Very nice set! That first shot is a very unusual capture of that type bird.
I have to say that's an impressive bridge camera. I realize it's the photographer who is using it that makes the difference, though.
I've shot Great Blue Herons for years (in fact recently participated in a daily photo-diary of one from hatching through leaving the nest), and I've NEVER seen one assume that posture. If anyone here has more info, I'd love to know.
I am impressed. That head shot is impressively sharp and clear.
Surprised me too! I didn't expect that quality of glass in a do-it-all SuperZoom
SX2002
Loc: Adelaide, South Australia
Nice shots, might be better posted in the right section for better viewing..Photo Gallery or Close up sections..
Cheers,
Ron.
llamb
Loc: Northeast Ohio
What a great shot! I have never seen a heron pose like that. Again, great shot. We have had less and less herons in our area, due to too much building. I sat for a few hours watching our pond yesterday, but no waterfowl stopped by.
~Lee
mharvey wrote:
I've shot Great Blue Herons for years (in fact recently participated in a daily photo-diary of one from hatching through leaving the nest), and I've NEVER seen one assume that posture. If anyone here has more info, I'd love to know.
We have enough Great Blue Herons around here in local ponds and streams that I can usually see one when I want to. I find them endlessly fascinating; and have seen this pose quite a few times. Have never read a definitive explanation but I've got a few ideas. Vultures do this early mornings to dry out and maybe also soak up some sun warmth. This may be a more comfortable pose for a GBH with that enormous wingspan.
Conversely, maybe they do it sometimes to SHED heat, since I saw one just last week in this pose standing on a dock on a very hot day, with his beak open a bit, and throat going full speed like a dog panting.
Or maybe they do it for OUR benefit, just to look even more interesting!
I think you have it! It was late afternoon and the heat index was 100! Plus his throat was working like a bellows.
Thank you for posting your impressive shots with the P1000. I've been watching for P1000 images and yours are moving me one step closer to a P1000 purchase. The characteristic displayed by the heron is commonly called "spread-wing", but is actually thermoregulation-- the bird's way of regulating body temperature. Birds cannot sweat or shiver, so it is not uncommon in hot weather to view a bird with it's mouth open and wings in an open-drooped posture-- they are actually fluttering their throats when they are too hot, not unlike a panting dog on a hot day. The open-mouth & spread-wing behaviors cools the bird on hot days. Conversely, if the temps are cooler, herons will fluff their feathers to trap heat. Ain't nature grand!
Please post more when you can and any personal critique of the P1000 will be greatly appreciated.
Wonderful images - well done! Looks like the P1000 is an excellent performer.
Can I ask, how far away you were? Fantastic shots. I want to purchase the P1000, for shooting Eagles
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