I posted a pic of a Green heron on FB this morning but there is a humorous(?) story behind it that all wildlife photogs will instantly recognize and I thought that you might get a kick out of it. Or at least feel a little bit sorry for me!
I was at Apalachin Marsh setting up for a sunrise shoot. I knew there were several Green Herons in the area as I had previously scouted the area. There was a dead tree laying in the water about 30 yards away and it had 2 branches sticking up parallel to the water. I knew that this could be a very convenient place for a wading bird to land and fish from, so I set my blind up with high hopes for the morning.
As dawn finally decided to show up I could see a family of wood ducks in front of me, feeding on the small floating aquatic plants. I was well hidden and the ducks never knew I was there, and fortunately they eventually worked their way out of view. I did not want them around if the Heron showed up because I knew sooner or later they would spot me and ruin the whole setup.
Suddenly I could see a bird flying right at me from about 100 yards away! I couldn’t believe it when he kept coming right at me and he landed on the exact branch I wanted him on! It was the Heron! I knew he would eventually walk his way down the branch to the water and begin feeding. With any luck he would catch a nice fish or a frog and I would have a perfect opportunity for a good action shot! There was no vegetation between me and him (or her), the light was a nice soft overcast light. I couldn’t have asked for a better setup. I silently congratulated myself for being so damn smart. But then…. the sonofabitch walked to the opposite end of the branch and hopped down right into a patch of heavy vegetation!!! The pic below he was on his way into the thick stuff!
I seem to remember something about not counting your chickens……
I wanted to jump up and say “Hey dummy!!! You’re going the wrong way!!!”. But I also knew that once again, the photo gods had given me a large slice of humble pie! So close, yet so far…. But if it was easy it probably wouldn’t be as much fun. So I am slowly learning to celebrate my successes and learn from the failures. The pic below was the only decent one I got from the morning.
We will meet again……
So that is my tale of woe…. I think I will have to go soothe my wounds with a Margarita!!!