This is the best I can do for Christmas, something green, and well, it's flying like Santa does, so that's as close as you're gonna get. Sorry.
I spotted this green heron passing through my famous Area 51 and got this shot just as it was jumping off a tree. This shows just how well autofocus can work because I had about a half second or less of lead time to take aim for this image. It's also an instructive lesson on the up and downsides of using a tripod, because while every book and website will say you must use a tripod, the fact is, when you need to react quickly a tripod is about as useful as a ball and chain wrapped around your neck. Which doesn't mean you shouldn't ever use a tripod either.
Perhaps a subject for an upcoming post....Happy Holidays!!
