Thursday, October 28, 2010

For young Tricolored Herons, it’s all about the spike…

Birding Hilton Head Island, SC and Pinckney Island at the Ibis Pond Rookery
Spiked head feathers were all the rage among the young Tricolored Herons at the Ibis Pond rookery at Pinckney Island!

I'm young, and I'm cool...

...sometimes. Other time I just look like I'm growing grass out of the top of my head.

(His brother seems to agree.)

...spiky head feathers or not, there's no getting past the beautiful structure of their faces and the intense look in their eyes that stirs up thoughts of a walking and squawking prehistoric beast.

I spike, therefore I am.

These two Tricolored Herons stood strong in their nest as they waited for their parents to come and feed them.

I was still sitting up on the hill watching the Snowy Egret feed the babies when these two Tricolored Herons caught my eye. Their nest nest was down by the water in a willow tree--again on our side of the mote. The mama and papa visited them several times while I watched and photographed the Snowy Egrets. I was using my 70-200mm lens with the 2x extender, but considering how far away I was and how many leaves I was shooting through, it looks like I had a more powerful lens. I did use the tripod to help with stabilization, but mostly it was the Nikon and The Force that focused past the leaves and did all the work.

30 comments:

grammie g said...

Hi Kelley...I should be in bed but here I am!!
Those sure are wild child's with those doo's !!
Really good shots and leave jumping!!

Larry said...

Awesome photos of the Tri-colored Herons Kelley! The color and especially the detail are inspiring to this fellow photographer ;-)

Elva Paulson said...

What wild hairdos those young herons have. I love them.

Dan Huber said...

I love these wonderful detail shots.

Jayne said...

Love how the sun is hitting them Kelly! Just beautiful!

Lúcia said...

These photos are so cool!!!
This is real wildlife (and bad hair day)!
Congratulations!!!

Montanagirl said...

Love the "Spikey Doo's". And your photography is amazing! It's not easy to shoot through leaves and get a lens to focus on something behind them. Great work! LOVE this post....Mona

Chris said...

Wow that's again a wonderful post... and this little (well big) fellows are beautiful and funny with their hear cut ;-) Well done Kelly!

Hilke Breder said...

Breathtaking pictures, Kelley. Trick or Treat?! Teenage Tricolored Herons ready for Halloween :-)

Anonymous said...

Great photos. Funny little guys. Maybe some gel would help...?

Sarah Knight said...

Wow! Those are marvelous birds - awesome shots!

When I was a kid I had these trapper keeper folders with flamingos wearing elaborate punk rock "hairdos" and jewelry - probably Lisa Frank or something — it was definitely my favorite folder. I insisted that my mom buy me 3 of them in case one wore out.

Birds can get away with such outrageous fashion :D

Out on the prairie said...

They do have that prehistoric look.Herons must practice so when they start feeding theirselves they are ready.Great post and pics Kelly. Thanks for the input on my story, headed out for a cinnamon roll tomorrow 50 miles away.

Laure Ferlita said...

OH, to be that cool!!

And not even know it! ;•)

Awesome shots, and I would definitely say you a favorite of the Force as you take remarkable images time and again!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Oh my! They are beautiful and you have done such a fantastic job capturing them.

Bob Bushell said...

Great, the colours and the way they stand is awesome. Brilliant photos.

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

Hey, you're in my back yard! Great shots! Are you still in the area?? pjbartstudio@hargray.com. It's be great to meet! Pam

Tammie Lee said...

wildly wonderful, such a prehistoric feel to their looks. I enjoyed your play with their feather-dos!

Unknown said...

Those are awesome! Look at them :)!
Wonderful photos & no, I'm not in the slightest envious ;)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kelly, Wow---great pictures of the young Herons... LOVE those eyes..... Awesome!!!!

I'm still thinking about your Moonbow... So glad you got to see it.

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Gaina said...

They are amazing pictures, Kelly! :)

Jenny said...

Fabulous Kelly! I really REALLY need to visit this place sometime. All I have to do is cross the puddle first tho! (-:

Elaine said...

They are way too cool! Your shots are exquisite!

Janice K said...

Loved the pictures! The hairdos and the eyes really catch your attention, but really what beautiful birds.

Kelly said...

...thanks, everyone for the very kind comments. These two were just a hoot. I loved watching them. At the end of our stay, they had climbed out of their nest and were climbing through the trees. I never did get to see them fly, but they were all over the willows!

Anonymous said...

Really great shots Kelly, are they using wax on their feathers to keep them up like that.

Rural Rambler said...

Stunning shots Kelley. Those Herons are having a great hair day! They are something, love them and your pictures!

Unknown said...

Absolutely incredible images! I have never seen one and probably never will, but I didn't know how badly I want to see one till today!

Carol Mattingly said...

Unbelievable! Fabulous. Carol

holdingmoments said...

These are amazing shots Kelly.
So detailed, and I love their hairstyle lol

Dawn Fine said...

Amazing!..will be using this link:) stay tuned.