How fast they grow

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited April 17, 2006 in Wildlife
Hi Y'all,

When I made a trip to St Augustine at the end of March the great egret hatchlings were newly arrived and you could barely see them

62989103-O.jpg

one week later
64034214-O.jpg

64034189-O.jpg

a chip off the old block
64034193-O.jpg

feeding is rough on the parents. They fly into the nest and regurgitate food up for the chicks. Usually after being mugged by them
64034217-O.jpg

Great egrets usually lay 2-3 eggs. The last hatchling that is born has a rough road as the older siblings will harass them and very often the youngest doesn't survive

64034307-O.jpg

64034343-O.jpg

You can see the one hatchling on the right happily downing a piece of regurgitated fish
64034260-O.jpg

you can see the entire gallery at http://behret.smugmug.com/gallery/1284080
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!"

Comments

  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    A really amazing series, well done.

    You make me jealous.

    Dick.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
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  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited April 13, 2006
    That does it. I'm selling my camera gear. umph.gif



    Well ok, not really. I do so love those egret chick shots. You need to send these into the National Geographic. They're really that good.
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
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  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    Most Excellent thumb.gif
    Benjamin
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  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    Super! thumb.gif
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    Hey buddy..egret fest is OVER...move along. :D Nice series Harry. thumb.gif I didn't snap many chick pics this season. The egrets still have their young in nest down at the Venice Rookery...but I've not had a clear shot at any little ones. Could also use a 400=500mm to make it a bit easier. Did get some of the GBH chicks when they were here. Boy did they grow up fast and fly the coop. Thanks for sharing. Oh..and egret fest..it's an every day thing here...right? ne_nau.gifrolleyes1.gif
    Mike McCarthy

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  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    Gosh, you all, I just came back from Magnolia Swamp (my rookery), I still have eggs! No chicks....................:cry , yet!

    But cool egg photos, should put them on that bird site, :): ?

    Got a night heron taking a bath. All of this in terrible contrasty sun, or no sun, etc.

    It was a detour on the way home from the dentist.

    Really cool shots, Harry!

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • ThusieThusie Registered Users Posts: 1,818 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    Those are just special Harrythumb.gif
  • DanielBDanielB Registered Users Posts: 2,362 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    clap.gif great series harry.
    Daniel Bauer
    smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    D200-D70 wrote:
    A really amazing series, well done.

    You make me jealous.

    Dick.

    Thank you Dick wave.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!"
  • Ann McRaeAnn McRae Registered Users Posts: 4,584 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    Amazing and inspiring, harry.

    The colors and detail, sharpness all of that is wonderful. The action and interesting behavior is brilliant. But what really, really does it for me is the symmetry of the adults and babies in # 4 and to a lesser extent #2. Wonderful!!!!!!!!bowdown.gifbowdown.gifbowdown.gif

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  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 13, 2006
    kdog wrote:
    That does it. I'm selling my camera gear. umph.gif



    Well ok, not really. I do so love those egret chick shots. You need to send these into the National Geographic. They're really that good.

    I'm glad you are holding on to your camera. :photo

    Thanks for the kind words. Once the season is over at the rookery I'll be sitting down and trying to figure out what to do with all these pics. I've only been there 3 times so far and I have another 9-10 shoots to go before the season is over. These are just the opening 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 14, 2006
    bfjr wrote:
    Most Excellent thumb.gif

    Thanks Ben.
    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 14, 2006
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    Super! thumb.gif


    Thanks a lot Ric. Always good to hear from ya. wave.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 14, 2006
    ginger_55 wrote:
    Gosh, you all, I just came back from Magnolia Swamp (my rookery), I still have eggs! No chicks....................:cry , yet!

    But cool egg photos, should put them on that bird site, :): ?

    Got a night heron taking a bath. All of this in terrible contrasty sun, or no sun, etc.

    It was a detour on the way home from the dentist.

    Really cool shots, Harry!

    ginger

    Thanks Ginger and you should have fun shooting the hatchlings that come form those eggs.
    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!"
  • RohirrimRohirrim Registered Users Posts: 1,889 Major grins
    edited April 14, 2006
    Cool series Harry. Very neat to see the progression. I really like the composition in the one labeled "Chip of the old Block" thumb.gif
    Steve
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  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2006
    Bird Man Photographer wrote:
    Hey buddy..egret fest is OVER...move along. :D Nice series Harry. thumb.gif I didn't snap many chick pics this season. The egrets still have their young in nest down at the Venice Rookery...but I've not had a clear shot at any little ones. Could also use a 400=500mm to make it a bit easier. Did get some of the GBH chicks when they were here. Boy did they grow up fast and fly the coop. Thanks for sharing. Oh..and egret fest..it's an every day thing here...right? ne_nau.gifrolleyes1.gif

    Thanks Mike. You would love the St Augustine Rookery. You don't need long glass there. Most of my shots have been between 200 & 300mm. I envy you the GBH chicks,. I haven't been able to find any GBH's nesting around here yet.
    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 15, 2006
    Thusie wrote:
    Those are just special Harrythumb.gif

    Thank you Thusie
    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!"
  • AllenAllen Registered Users Posts: 10,013 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2006
    Wow? I love the rich colors esp. the blue sky and the
    expression on the left chick in the last one, priceless.
    Great series.
    AL
    Al - Just a volunteer here having fun
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  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2006
    DanielB wrote:
    clap.gif great series harry.

    Thanks Daniel
    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 16, 2006
    Ann McRae wrote:
    Amazing and inspiring, harry.

    The colors and detail, sharpness all of that is wonderful. The action and interesting behavior is brilliant. But what really, really does it for me is the symmetry of the adults and babies in # 4 and to a lesser extent #2. Wonderful!!!!!!!!bowdown.gifbowdown.gifbowdown.gif

    Thanks Ann. I'm always amazed at the behavior of the parents during nesting and breeding. They go through all kinds of hardships as they rear their young. By the end of the season they look completely bedraggled.
    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 16, 2006
    Rohirrim wrote:
    Cool series Harry. Very neat to see the progression. I really like the composition in the one labeled "Chip of the old Block" thumb.gif

    Thanks Steve. Its very interesting going up to the rookery once a wek and observing the development and growth of the hatchlings.
    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 16, 2006
    Allen wrote:
    Wow? I love the rich colors esp. the blue sky and the
    expression on the left chick in the last one, priceless.
    Great series.
    AL

    Thanks Al. The rookery is a great place to shoot. The lighting can be perfect and the trees and sky give you great backgrounds.
    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!"
  • MarkjayMarkjay Registered Users Posts: 860 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2006
    How much does it cost you?
    How much is it costing you to gain access to the Alligator Farm with such frequency?
    Are you on a "speed pass" system with them now? :D
    Are you getting frequent photographer miles there now? :D
    Are you on a first name basis with the birds now? :D

    Do tell, I'm curious :-)

    Be well,
    Markjay
    Markjay
    Canon AE1 - it was my first "real camera"
    Canon 20D - no more film!
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 17, 2006
    Markjay wrote:
    How much is it costing you to gain access to the Alligator Farm with such frequency?
    Are you on a "speed pass" system with them now? :D
    Are you getting frequent photographer miles there now? :D
    Are you on a first name basis with the birds now? :D

    Do tell, I'm curious :-)

    Be well,
    Markjay

    I buy the "Photographer's Pass" which costs $59.95/year. You get a year's admission into the farm, you can enter at 8 AM (normal opening is 9 AM) and you can stay till 7 PM (park closes at 5 PM). This also covers your entry fee into their yearly photo contest.

    The birds and I are getting to be very familar to each other.
    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!"
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