Home improvements

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited April 11, 2006 in Wildlife
Hi Y'all,

Every time I visit the rookery I see the egrets working hard to expand their nest. Here's the male returning with some new building supplies.

62099801-O.jpg

As he approaches the nest the female gives him a round of fulsome and probably insincere praise. While he's been picking up twigs she has been attending to the eggs and/or the hatchlings. It reminds me of Linda and myself. I'll come home after Linda has cleaned, painted, and weeded. I'll take a bag of garbage out and tell Linda what I've just done and expect praise for my "hard work". Linda will then praise my work knowing that its easier to be insincere than deal with my fragile male ego. :rofl

62099807-O.jpg

62989028-O.jpg

Then they have to figure out where to put the new addition. Here again this seems to follow my partnership with Linda. She's saying "lets try it on the north wall" He's saying "it looks fine where it is." She's saying "maybe the south wall". He's saying "its fine where it is."

62989088-O.jpg

You got to love those egrets. :D

60320074-O.jpg
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
«1

Comments

  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2006
    Fantastic shots Harry, the last is awesome. The Nikkor 80-400mm VR is a great lens, I own one too.

    Dick.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
    Thomas Fuller.

    SmugMug account.
    Website.
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited April 6, 2006
    Harryb wrote:
    You got to love those egrets. :D

    Super shots, Harry. Great narration too. Hits a bit close to home, don't it? rolleyes1.gif
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited April 6, 2006
    Reminds me how nice it is to have parenting behind me:D

    Nice shots, as expected Harry!!thumb.gif
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • RohirrimRohirrim Registered Users Posts: 1,889 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2006
    Neat series Harry.
    Steve
    My Photo gallery- rohirrim.smugmug.com
    Selective Sharpening Tutorial
    Making a Frame for your image (Tutorial)
  • DanielBDanielB Registered Users Posts: 2,362 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2006
    Nice series, that last one has great colors
    Daniel Bauer
    smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com

  • ThusieThusie Registered Users Posts: 1,818 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    All are super Harry really, really like the last one.
  • maegandoughertymaegandougherty Registered Users Posts: 96 Big grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    These are just amazing! I never see birds like that. Guess I need to get to Florida! My best bird picture doesn't come close. :D

    55213687-Th-1.jpg
    Maegan

    http://maegandougherty.com
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,953 moderator
    edited April 7, 2006
    Very nice series. The rookery here is just starting nest building. Now if the
    weather would just cooperate...
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • DeeDee Registered Users Posts: 2,981 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    Thanks for the local update!
    ian408 wrote:
    Very nice series. The rookery here is just starting nest building. Now if the
    weather would just cooperate...

    I guess "weather" or not, the nesting must go on! All this rain has kept me away from our "rookery" so I appreciate the progress report.
    http://www.deegolden.smugmug.com
    http://www.twitter.com/deegolden
  • DeeDee Registered Users Posts: 2,981 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    Honeymoon over?
    Loved the commentary on the bird nesting shots Harry... I guess now that the courtship is over the real work begins! Build that nest, lay those eggs, raise those kids, and kick them out... and on it goes.

    As always, you get some pretty amazing shots.clap.gif
    http://www.deegolden.smugmug.com
    http://www.twitter.com/deegolden
  • NHBubbaNHBubba Registered Users Posts: 342 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    Nice..

    Nothing like a quick run to the 'Depot..
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    D200-D70 wrote:
    Fantastic shots Harry, the last is awesome. The Nikkor 80-400mm VR is a great lens, I own one too.

    Dick.

    Thanks Dick. I've gotten some outstanding shots with the 80-400 but it's focusing drives me to distraction at times. I've come to hate that grinding sound as it tries to lock focus. I've come close to selling it a couple of times.

    My initial plan was to shoot with the 300mm F/4 on the D2H and the 70-200 2.8 on the D2X. I was then going to shot some close ups with the 85mm 1.4 and break oiut the 500mm for some long shots. I almost left the 80-400 home. Then the D2H started to have metering problems again so I closed it down for the day. My initial plan was shot to hell (too many lens changes for one body) so I broke out the 80-400. The 80-400 is just about a perfect zoom for the St. Augustine rookery.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    kdog wrote:
    Super shots, Harry. Great narration too. Hits a bit close to home, don't it? rolleyes1.gif

    Thanks for the kind words. The narration hits close to my home for sure. :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    pathfinder wrote:
    Reminds me how nice it is to have parenting behind me:D

    Nice shots, as expected Harry!!thumb.gif

    Thanks PF and I also love that empty nest feeling. rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    Rohirrim wrote:
    Neat series Harry.

    Thanks Steve
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    Nice series of shots, Harry. I've been seeing a lot of the same down here. It's kind of funny all the dancing and showing off that goes on for such small twigs. Talk about dillusional males and the size of their twigs. I can hear the wife now.

    Honey...what the heck have you been doing all day? I send you out for nesting materials......you're gone all day and all you bring back is that sorry pathetic little twig. What good are you? "

    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 7, 2006
    DanielB wrote:
    Nice series, that last one has great colors

    Thanks Daniel. I'm real happy with that last shot.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 8, 2006
    Thusie wrote:
    All are super Harry really, really like the last one.

    Thanks Thusie. That last one seems to be the best received of all the shots.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 8, 2006
    Thanks Maegan. Everybody who wants to shoot birds should come to Florida. Our birds are much more cooperative with photographers than in the rest of the country.. :D [
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 8, 2006
    ian408 wrote:
    Very nice series. The rookery here is just starting nest building. Now if the
    weather would just cooperate...

    Thanks Ian. Good luck with your west coast weather.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Nee7x7Nee7x7 Registered Users Posts: 459 Major grins
    edited April 8, 2006
    Fantabulous series of photos, Harry! I'm totally jealous~ Nee :)
    http://nee.smugmug.com[/COLOR]
    http://www.pbase.com/rdavis

    If at first you don't succeed, destroy all the evidence that you tried~
  • R JohnsR Johns Registered Users Posts: 170 Major grins
    edited April 8, 2006
    Excellent exposures. The highlites look very natural.thumb.gif
    By Grace, alone...
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited April 8, 2006
    Outstanding group again, Harry!

    This one is extra cool! thumb.gif

    60320074-M.jpg

    You really should publish a book of your best shots.nod.gif I'd buy a nice linen bound book as long as you wouldn't charge me extra for an autographed version.rolleyes1.gif
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 9, 2006
    Dee wrote:
    Loved the commentary on the bird nesting shots Harry... I guess now that the courtship is over the real work begins! Build that nest, lay those eggs, raise those kids, and kick them out... and on it goes.

    As always, you get some pretty amazing shots.clap.gif

    Thanks Dee.Once the chlcks hatch the parents get no rest at all. This is the most rest they will get for the next few weeks.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 9, 2006
    NHBubba wrote:
    Nice..

    Nothing like a quick run to the 'Depot..

    Thanks but down here the 'Depot is running second to Lowe's :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 9, 2006
    Bird Man Photographer wrote:
    Nice series of shots, Harry. I've been seeing a lot of the same down here. It's kind of funny all the dancing and showing off that goes on for such small twigs. Talk about dillusional males and the size of their twigs. I can hear the wife now.

    <lady bird> Honey...what the heck have you been doing all day? I send you out for nesting materials......you're gone all day and all you bring back is that sorry pathetic little twig. What good are you? <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/ne_nau.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" > <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/headscratch.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" > "

    <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/rolleyes1.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" >

    Thanks Mike. The female bird always puts on a show of being impressed with the twigs the male is bringing in. Some times they even have time for a nooner. :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited April 9, 2006
    Harryb wrote:
    Thanks Mike. The female bird always puts on a show of being impressed with the twigs the male is bringing in. Some times they even have time for a nooner. :D


    eek7.gifeek7.gifeek7.gif :uhoh biggrinbounce2.gifrolleyes1.gif
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 10, 2006
    Nee7x7 wrote:
    Fantabulous series of photos, Harry! I'm totally jealous~ Nee :)

    Thanks very much Dee. St. Augustine is a fantastic place to shoot during the period of March through May.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 10, 2006
    R Johns wrote:
    Excellent exposures. The highlites look very natural.thumb.gif

    Thank you very much.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 11, 2006
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    Outstanding group again, Harry!

    This one is extra cool! thumb.gif

    60320074-M.jpg

    You really should publish a book of your best shots.nod.gif I'd buy a nice linen bound book as long as you wouldn't charge me extra for an autographed version.rolleyes1.gif

    Thank you very much Ric. I will be exploring some options for my photography sometime over the summer.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Sign In or Register to comment.