Blue Heron Photo OP!!

Gib Robinson , Jun 03, 2002; 04:00 p.m.

I've been photographing blue herons at Stow Lake in San Francisco. There are three nests and quite a few unfledged birds that will be in their nests for the next few weeks. I'm taking photos (pro bono) for a woman who works with local museums and public schools and needs slides and prints for her education programs.

If you've got a long lens and a solid tripod, this is a great opportunity to take bird photos. I'm shooting with a 400mm f/2.8 with a 2x. The ideal lens would be a 600mm with IS and a 2x because the nests are high off the ground and about 30 yards away from good spots to take photos. IF SOMEONE WANTS TO PHOTOGRAPH, I'D BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE DETAILS.

--Gib

Responses

Richard Wong , Jun 04, 2002; 06:39 p.m.

hi, im moving to s.f. in august for ad school. stow lake is in gg park right? are the blue herons accessible in any other position other than in their nest? i have a 300 zoom lens, so its not nearly as long as your equipment. i saw one this past weekend in morro bay state park along a creek. theyre cool birds. thanks.

Gib Robinson , Jun 05, 2002; 09:22 a.m.

Richard,

Yes. You can find Great Blue Herons "fishing" along the shores of Stow Lake and other places in Golden Gate Park. I've seen them going after fish in the Japanese Tea Garden surrounded by tourists! (They have great concentration!). There are also spots along the SF Bay, such as the wetlands at Crissy Field (in the Presidio), where you can find GBH's and Egrets fishing in the shallow waters.

When you get here, you might want to check with local birding groups and take some bird walks, if bird photography is a strong interest for you.

--Gib

Gib Robinson , Jun 06, 2002; 08:22 p.m.

I just uploaded 5 photos from the three GBH nests at Stow Lake in SF. http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=211594

--Gib

Notify me of Responses