great blue herons are among my favorite subjects, and i have a ton of photos of them. this GBH popped out of the cattails behind me and flew across a small lagoon about 50 feet away. i barely had time to get my camera up and get focused, it didn't even occur to me to back off on the zoom! but i rather like the effect... his wingtip seems to be almost brushing my lens, and it really feels like i'm right on top of the action...

Rocky,
What a awesome shot.. You are very fortunate..
Trudey

thanks, Trudey... actually, at the park i go to often in spring, it's not uncommon to get close-ups of herons from absurdly short distances. i've taken shots from as close as 10 feet... the herons seem accustomed to humans, and seem to know we won't hurt them, so they're quite willing to let themselves be photographed...

Hey Rocky,

Very well done. Given the circumstances, I am surprised you caught the frame as nicely as you did.

James