Heron in the light

Always something to shoot at the Ballard Locks. Lots and lots of salmon on the move now. Seals get their fill. The herons just take smolt. There are about 45 nests in the trees around this spot. The youngsters are loudly chuckling all the time for more food. Amazing that the Locks was built in the early 1900's -- at considerable expense. Thinking ahead they were then.

Posted by Michael Meek on Tue, 06/25/13 09:55
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Comments by Jan Bjorklund on Tue, 06/25/13 10:02

I like the quality of the light (especially as it highlights the distant houses and foliage giving it a near paintlike feel), the inclusion of the ever vigilant heron and the sense of peacefulness evoked by the setting. Is the area in flood... just ask with the stairs and the railing on the cement structure on the left seemingly leading nowhere... suggests there is a river walkway?


Comments by Michael Meek on Tue, 06/25/13 10:19

What you are seeing, Jan, is part of what is called Salmon Bay. It is salt water and so there is a tide. The steps don't lead anywhere but to the edge of the water at whatever height it may be. That's a railroad bridge trestle there on the right.


Comments by Ernest Cadegan on Tue, 06/25/13 10:28

Nice, especially the light. My kind of scene. I'd crop down from the top
below the water there and the bottom of the railing on the right above
the stairs. I'd probably take some off the bottom too and, to fit my
personal format, I'd take more than you would really need to.


Comments by Michael Meek on Tue, 06/25/13 10:36

Like this, Ernest?


Comments by Ernest Cadegan on Tue, 06/25/13 11:49

That would be it for me.


Comments by Paul Maxan on Wed, 06/26/13 11:06

To me it looks like a depiction of time: the modern, the less modern, and then the prehistoric, city-lock-bird. All in one frame.


Comments by Sandi MacDonald on Thu, 06/27/13 08:39

I like the second crop...much nicer.;-)


Comments by les perry on Sat, 06/29/13 05:07

Like both versions but op brings more conflict with the stillness of the heron soft light with busier feel of the surrounding area captured


Comments by Ruth Rittichier on Sat, 06/29/13 07:47

The cropped version is perfect. Sweet and simple.


Comments by Michael Meek on Sat, 06/29/13 15:38

This really shows the remarkable effect that concentration has. I like the stories the OP tells that Jan, Paul and Les relate to. And I like the balance and simplicity of the cropped image. Thanks Ernest, Sandi, and Ruth -- and Ernest thanks for sharing your expert eye!


Comments by Jacky on Mon, 07/01/13 23:31

Very nice. Something to like about both. I also prefer the cropped version a bit better.