Picture Of The Week 10-19-09

Where: Murrells Inlet, SC • Huntington Beach State Park

Notes: Being flexible in my expectations pays off in nature. I was hoping to capture a some shots of one of the Wood Storks that visit this beautiful state park regularly. Early that morning, I had positioned myself under a bush not far off the water's edge behind some tall marsh grass. This is where I had observed the storks feeding the evening before. It was also where the morning light would be ideal on any subject. There was a small break in the grass line to my right, perhaps an animal trail. This was the only slot that I could take pictures through. As I had expected, a few storks flew in behind the grasses and began probing the mud for their breakfast. Unfortunately they stayed behind the tall reeds to my left at all times. They never wandered past the small clearing where I hoped they would. Eventually they ventured very close to my position, but I still could not get a shot. So, I decided to just sit very still behind the tall grasses and enjoy this close encounter. After a few minutes, a couple more large birds flew in behind the brush. I could not see what they were at first, but then this Tricolored Heron, formerly known as the Louisiana Heron, strolled in front of the small opening in the underbrush. It was so focused on capturing little fish it did not notice me at all, only fifteen feet away. I slowly drew up my camera's lens and squeezed off a few shots. I could see the small minnows it was eating, as this slender adult snatched them out of the shallows. I have learned to take the shots that present themselves and not to pass-up a current opportunity because I am waiting for a shot that may never materialize.