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Inspiring and Supporting Photographers of Australian Birds

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White-faced Heron

White-faced Heron (Image ID 62605)
Photographed byCraig Lakey on Wed 10th Apr, 2024 and uploaded on Wed 17th Apr, 2024 .
Resolution1800x1391
Viewed42
ID62605
CommentThis White-faced Heron was hunting in the reed bed of a small pond and can be seen here about to consume a frog. I sat by the edge of the pond for a good thirty minutes and watched the bird catch and consume two yabbies prior to this photo being taken. Just prior to striking the bird is completely motionless, with the exception that every so often its neck pulses back and forth slightly. All prey was caught within the reeds, but interestingly, once the prey was secured in its bill, the bird would move to an area of fresh water to wash off the mud before consuming.
EquipmentEquipment: Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
Settings: 600mm, f/6.3, 1/1250s, ISO-800
Workflow: Processed in Lightroom and sent to Photoshop for downsize, sharpen and export.
Field notes: I also had a few other images of the scene that, despite being interesting, were not usable, as the reeds were causing difficulty for the autofocus. I have had more luck with the subject/eye detection with different species with similar types of distractions, but also, I have occasionally had issues with long-necked birds when there have been no distractions. I also tried manual focus peaking with some level of success.
Processing notes: I exposed for the white face of the bird, so the exposure of the remainder of the scene has been raised in post-processing.
LocationMurundaka Parklands, Victoria
Keywordsfeeding/with prey, adult, non-breeding plumage/features
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