Yesterday was just too gorgeous of a day to stay indoors. I felt as though I had been neglecting my camera for quite some time, so I brought it along as my family and I went to play near the creek. I ventured down the creek to see what wildlife I could find. As always, there were tons of little bird prints. I also came across some decent size raccoon tracks. Then I saw it; the bird that had been eluding my camera since I moved here over a year ago, the Great Blue Heron. I’ve seen them often, usually without my camera in hand. Then when I do have my camera, they fly away too quickly before I can get a clear shot. Another occasion, adventuring through the mud, my son and I found the monster tracks of one.

Alas, we did not see the Heron that created them. But this time, down the edge of the creek, was standing the lanky beauty! But even with my 300 mm lens, I couldn’t get a good enough shot. I had to get closer. I tip-toed through the trees to get a closer look. I can absolutely guarantee that to the heron, I sounded like a bull in a china shop, despite my stealthy efforts. He stayed put though, in the same spot I first saw him. Now that I was closer, I could get the shot I wanted. I snapped a few pictures, tweaking my settings in between each one. After a few seconds he took flight and flew away right in front of me! I tried to venture further down the creek to where the heron stood. I was hoping it left tracks behind that I could investigate. In my efforts, I slipped in the mud and nearly went in the creek! Luckily, I missed the water, yet I was covered in mud. I landed on my elbow, jarred my shoulder, and mysteriously cut my hand. It didn’t feel good but I wasn’t bleeding badly so I decided to continue until I saw the unspeakable! Mud got all over my camera! NO! My poor camera! Why, cruel world?! I can’t take pictures with mud all over my lens! So I was forced to turn back for the sake of my beloved equipment.

After returning to the house, I washed up my hand, cleaned my dear camera, and took a look at what images I had. Was it all just a pain in the rear or did I get my Heron photo?

TA-DA!!

I’m pretty happy with the outcome. There is always room for improvement but these are my best ones so far! Next time though, I’ll watch my footing better!

Have you seen any wildlife since the spring season has started? Share a comment or photo below! Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for another completed eye portrait I will be posting later this week.

Until next time,

“Of course it’s hard! It’s suppose to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Hard is what makes it great!”