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An Angel Has Landed
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The White Heron or great egret is a cosmopolitan bird and is found worldwide in tropical and temperate regions. Of the four or more subspecies, the range of the largest, Egretta alba modesta, is India, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The birds are venerated in most parts of their Asiatic range, the fragile white plumes which they assume and shed each breeding season have been universally prized for ornament.
Geographically and climatically New Zealand is near the extreme limits of its range. In New Zealand it is a rare bird, and probably always has been. However the species was almost exterminated to satisfy the demand for feathers for women’s hats after its only breeding site on the banks of the Waitangituna Stream at Okarito in South Westland was discovered in 1865. By 1941 there were only four nests at Okarito when it was declared a reserve and patrolled at breeding time. The numbers have now stabilised with a permanent population of around 100 to 120.
The shallow waters along the margins of rivers, inland lakes, swamps and coastal estuaries, including sometimes the beach are the stations frequented by Kotuku. Its long legs, bare of feathers well above the ankle joint, and long spreading toes fit it especially for wading on a muddy bottom. They are solitary feeders. At night when not feeding they roost in trees. Their voice is the typical heron croak in flight or when disturbed.
Kotuku’s food consists of mainly small fishes, including eels. Standing in water as deep as its long legs will allow without wetting its feathers, it remains perfectly still until a fish comes within reach, then with lightning like rapidity it strikes and at once swallows its prey. According to Oliver, the ornithologist, in addition to fish, its food includes, frogs, tadpoles, insects and even birds.
The nesting site on the banks of the Waitangituna Stream is not far from the Okarito Lagoon which is just a few miles from the sea. It is a kahikatea swamp through which the sluggish river moves down to the sea.
Adult birds start arriving from all over the country around August and take part in elaborate courtship displays. Males build small platforms from which they advertise themselves to females. Displays of the male include a spectacular raising of the nuptial plumes, with the neck erect, the bill snapping and the wing feathers flicking. Once a female is attracted, the pair preen each other and intertwine their long necks, wings and bill. The female builds the real nest platform. According to Oliver, the nests are placed in trees or in the crowns of tree ferns near to or overhanging water and at various heights from eight to forty feet,(three to thirteen metres). The nests are well built of sticks and fern fronds. Three to five eggs are laid in September or October and the young are ready to fly in December and January. After breeding the birds disperse widely throughout the country.
IMAGE INFORMATION
Camera: Canon 1D Mk lll
Time of day: 11:21 a.m.
Date: 21st March 2008
Weather conditions: Clear
Lens: Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM
Extender: Canon EF 2X II
Filter: Hoya 77mm UV
Shutter Speed: 1/500
F-Stop: F/11
Focal Length: 400mm
ISO: 250
Support: Hand Held
Original file type: Digital Raw |
rcrick, aes_thor, marhowie, JPlumb, inked, thor68, Luis52, SelenE, loot has marked this note useful
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- manyee
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3119 W: 236 N: 5954]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(20104) - [2008-05-06 23:30]
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Hello, Pam.
Long time no see. : )
What a fantastic pose of that great egret.
That is an impressive wing span display.
Good exposure and great moment captured.
Hope all is well with you.
ManYee
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- rcrick
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 661 W: 42 N: 1257]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(4060) - [2008-05-06 23:34]
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Hi Pam,
Wow just stunning nice to see you back, and what an image to come back with, excellent detail, perfect framing, just beautiful. Lovely work,
Cheers Rick :)
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- pvs
(11925)
- [2008-05-07 0:14]
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Hi Pam,
A nice capture of this egret with its wings wide open,well exposed with lots of detail,well done and tfs
Paul
Hi Pam!
Extremely sharp and clear photo, very good timing. great light and colours.
regards
Adrian
Fantastic POV & pose Pam.
Excellent exposure, DOF, color, and detail..
Luv the comp against that beautiful shade of blue sky BG :)
Very well done,
Howard
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- JPlumb
(2837)
- [2008-05-07 11:38]
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Hi Pam, very nice pose given to you by the Heron, and handled very well by you, excellent detail, down to the fringe on the edges of his feathers, very good colour and colour contrasts with the sky, and very good crop for the presentation.
Thanks, John
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- inked
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 134 W: 0 N: 230]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(694) - [2008-05-07 23:13]
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hi Pam,
great capture of this egret with it's wings out completely. the pose couldn't be better. great pov and nice detail. great composition. i like the title too, they are very majestic lookin' wings. well done and tfs
Gethin
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- thor68
(4703)
- [2008-05-08 4:42]
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yes, wow, these are some amazing wings! :-) excellent capture of the pretty white poser showing is spread out flying gear.
perfect job & best wishes, thor.
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- Luis52
(10487)
- [2008-05-08 15:35]
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Hola Pam.
Muy hermosa la foto de esta Garza con sus alas extendidas, finos colores y hermoso fondo en azul que contrasta con el blanco del ave.
Alta nitidez y exelente foco.
Saludos Pam.
Luis52.
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- loot
(9617)
- [2008-05-09 21:15]
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Hi Pam
It almost seems as if this bird is enunciating a benediction over you.
A wonderful strong image with this snow white bird etched against the beautiful blue sky. Wonderful detail in the plumage of those remarkable outstretched wings, great contrasts in the whites, striking colours, and with the fitting close-crop a wonderful composition.
Well done and TFS.
Regards
Loot
PS. Has everthing been sorted out and returned to normal after the house fire? I hope all is well and life is back to regular.
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- SelenE
(13166)
- [2008-05-10 2:20]
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Hi Pam,
What a beauty.... Very good timing and a lovely pose. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen
