The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small, stocky wading bird with striking coloration and an unmistakable profile. I photographed this individual in Capurganá, a remote coastal village nestled on the Caribbean coast of Chocó, Colombia. This area, bordered by lush rainforest and warm ocean waters, is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a peaceful refuge for both migratory and resident bird species.
In this image, the heron stands motionless on a sunlit rock at the edge of a mangrove channel, its compact body tilted forward in classic hunting posture. The background is a soft wash of dappled green reflections from the forest canopy, interrupted only by the pale swirl of water behind the bird’s legs. Its vivid plumage—an iridescent blue-green back, chestnut neck, and slate-colored crown—is rendered in fine detail, with the morning light lending the entire scene a crisp, natural glow.
To capture this shot, I used the Canon EOS R5 paired with the RF 800mm F11 IS STM lens and a 1.4x extender, giving me an effective focal length of 1120mm. The shutter speed was set to 1/500 second to account for the slight movement of the heron and the gently shifting light on the water. I selected ISO 800 to preserve color fidelity while ensuring sufficient exposure under the shaded canopy. Aperture was fixed at f/16 due to the nature of the lens-extender combination, which helped maximize depth of field and maintain edge-to-edge sharpness on the heron’s profile.
As a photographer focused on conservation, I found this moment rewarding not just for the subject, but for the sense of calm and balance it conveyed. The Green Heron, though widespread, is often overlooked due to its solitary and reserved nature. Capturing it in such a pristine and undisturbed setting reminds me of the importance of protecting these coastal ecosystems—quiet places that hold space for life to thrive.
©2022 Adam Rainoff Photographer
