During a recent photography outing at Charleston City Lake, I photographed a Great Blue Heron lifting off from the earthen dam along the shoreline. The timing was precise. Its long toes were just starting to leave the edge as it committed to flight.
Great Blue Herons are always impressive at close range. Standing over four feet tall with a wingspan that can stretch beyond six feet, they dominate the shoreline when they settle in. This bird held a classic posture, blue-gray plumage tight against its body, neck extended, and eyes fixed on the water below.
A Moment Just Before Takeoff
The heron had been hunting along the dam, scanning the water for fish. Just before it launched, I was able to capture the instant where balance shifted from standing to flight. Those brief moments are easy to miss, but they often tell the strongest story.
Scenes like this are why I slow down when I photograph wildlife. I am not chasing constant action. I am watching behavior and waiting for something meaningful to happen on its own.
Photographing From the Truck
On this morning, I stayed inside my pickup truck and used a bean bag on the open window for support. That setup allowed me to remain steady and unobtrusive. Only a few days earlier, I photographed what I believe was the same heron lifting off near this same dam under similar conditions.
Moments like these reward patience. Wildlife does not rush, and neither should the photographer.
Gear Used
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details
- Location: Charleston City Lake, Arkansas
- Date and Time: January 23, 2023 at 9:50 a.m.
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 640 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: -1
- Focal Length: 500mm