I had written him a quick text, which I had for want of better sent it to his mobile as always,
suggesting as the weather looked to improving a trip might be exciting,
So I sent it to him just “On Spec” marked as follows: “Mr An Onymous, fancy a trip to WTP tomorrow early”
And an answer came directed, just as I expected.
Sent from his smartphone, “I’ll be there by sun up”
Apologies to the Good Banjo
“So,” as Banjo also wrote, “We went”
A quick stop for coffee from Gerry at the Highway Lounge and off to the Treatment Plant we journeyed. Hardly a “Vision Splendid” of bird life extended, but better than sitting in a “dingy little office”.
The weather was performing as expected and we dropped EE of at the first pond to pursue some Cape Barrren Geese, the first we’d seen in the T -Section area for quite awhile.
Mr An Onymous and I went up to the next pond and as we were trying to figure out our first move, a White-necked Heron stepped out of the pond-side reed bed and began to hunt.
And as the Banjo continued, “For a Photographer’s life has pleasures that the townsfolk seldom know,”
We stood as patiently as the Heron and watched it watching the water. And it didn’t take too long for the glacial moves of the Heron to suddenly become full of life and action as it pursed its prey.
Then it leaned forward and needing just a little extra reach extended its wings and jumped.
Another of Prof. Will’s Growling Grass Frogs had met its end.
Enjoy
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER doesn't mean I'm LOST 
How good is this! All the stage’s documented and the capture of heron’s neck extending just parallel to the water surface is superb. Thanks for waiting and sharing the master stroke,
Adam
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G’day Adam, I don’t often shot multi-burst and luckily had not set the camera back from a previous outing. Else i don’t think I’ve have nailed the series.
Hope you are on the mend
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A brilliant series of shots David!
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Hello Eleanor, All good. Hope that the knee is starting to repond to some gentle care
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Yes, definitely improving a bit each day, though it still lets me know it is there!
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A great series of captures David. Herons are so patient and precise in their hunt, it is always a long wait to capture the action. We do not se the White-necked variety here on the coast, but are always a treat inland when we see them. To capture that fast neck stretch as they retrieve their prey is always the photographers challenge as they perform it so fast. I also love watching the Striated Heron hunt with its crouching style. You managed to capture the stretching out of its whole body over the water, I have not seen one get so close to the water like that.
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Hi Ashley, the White-necked are not a permanent fixture. We might go several seasons and not see any. This one seems to be quite ensconced at the T Section at present. Probably plenty of Growling Grass Frogs to keep it satisfied.
It had to use the wings to keep its balance and I guess it does that with a high degree of efficiency
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Fabulous documentation of the hunt and catch, David!
A fine series to view!
Definitely worth the visit!
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Yes, we did have a good morning, not a lot of birds, but good sunshine and no wind. And we only explored one small section of the plant. I’m pretty much over doing the grand tour all day.
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