A moment of stillness
At Kintonga Reserve in Newtownards, time seems to slow down. Between the rustling reeds and the gentle ripples of the water, I encountered this elegant grey heron (Ardea cinerea) – a symbol of patience and precision in the wild.
The Art of Observation
Photographing herons requires stillness and anticipation. Unlike deer or puffins, herons move with deliberate slowness, their sharp eyes fixed on the water’s surface. For me, confined to a wheelchair, this pace felt like a gift. I didn’t need to trek through dense forests; I simply waited, and nature came to me.
Gear that made it possible:
· Nikon Z9: Lightning-fast autofocus to capture the heron’s sudden strike
· Nikkor 180-600mm f/6.3: Bringing distant moments intimately close
Why Herons Inspire Me
Herons are survivors. They adapt to urban parks, remote reserves, and everything in between. They remind me that resilience isn’t about strength alone – it’s about adaptability. Watching this heron stand motionless for minutes, then strike with lightning speed, was a lesson in perseverance.
Kintonga Reserve: A Hidden Gem
This reserve isn’t just heron territory. It’s a sanctuary for swans, ducks, and even the occasional otter. The accessible pathways allowed me to navigate freely, proving once again that nature doesn’t discriminate. It invites everyone to witness its miracles.
A Message to Fellow Nature Lovers
You don’t need to climb mountains or wade through rivers to experience the wild. Sometimes, the most profound moments happen just off a paved path, in the quiet gaze of a heron.
