BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA PHOTOGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS: These are few of the images from the Norman Piluke Bird Portfolio. Norman and Joanie Piluke spend their time photographing and birdwatching at Point Pelee National Park, Rondeau Provincial Park and other parks in Ontario. Some of these birds were photographed in National and State Parks in Florida and in Texas, U. S. A.   GREAT BLUE HERON (c) Norman Piluke 1994 "Love Birds" Great Blue Herons # 0423 "Love Birds" (Great Blue Heron Courtship Display) This is considered a "One in a Million Photograph." Taken in 1994, a moment that was captured by Norman Piluke at Venice Audubon Rookery in Florida, U. S. A. The camera used was a Nikon 35mm SLR and with Fuji film.  At the rookery, we have observed that this pair of Great Blue Herons have interesting preening habits as compared to the rest of herons in this rookery. We photographed and focused on their courtship behavior. The next day, we decided to photograph them again. Since the other pair wasn't there. We waited. Excited bird watchers and photographers came and went, but we stayed and continued photographing. We had our sandwiches beside our tripods and always ready to push the shutter. The cameras were  directed particularly on this nest. Then suddenly, one heron came from somewhere and landed into this nest. And the male and female herons began their unusual allo-preening behavior.Their heads were down preening on each other, rubbing their bills on their  back feathers and necks. When they finally stretched up, they became crossed-necks. Their bills were locked up and they started swaying them back and forth. After awhile, they were able to release themselves. It was a great moment to be there and capture this particular courtship display. We've been back many times after, however, we didn't see this happen  again. In photography, "Patience" is the motto. Norman entitled this piece "Love Birds" (Great Blue Herons' Courtship Display). This has been one of Norman's best selling bird photograph. It is one of a kind and a collectors' item. A favorite gift for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Image:  Image:  Back to top