Yellow-crowned Night Heron juvenile, portrait

[Bill Dix]

From the blind at Big John's Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. More action in the pond than at the East Pool when I was there on Thursday and Friday. C&C always appreciated.

D7000, 500f4, ISO 400, 1/800s @ f/8 manual. HH against blind.

[Marina Scarr]

Well done, Bill. You have a nice BG with a well exposed heron. The comp works well. Love those stray hairs and the open beak!

[PhilCook]

Now there's a bird with a lot to say, loving the side on profile and super detail, I wish someone would erect blinds in my neck of the woods.

[Satish Ranadive]

Marvelous portrait.Extremely beautiful details,sharpness and colors.I like the nice smooth BG,pose with open mouth and lights.
Above all I love the eye of the juvenile Heron.

Regards,
Satish.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Lots of personality in this individual! Looks quite happy doesn't it! Sharp, well composed, and I love the stray hairs. The darks seem a bit dark from what I'm used to with these guys...perhaps this guy was like that.

[Nick Palmieri]

Good detail in the bird. Great BG...love the twist in his neck

[Maya Raut]

Hi Bill,

Superb capture. I also liked the stray hairs and open beak. Great details, exposure and nice BG.

- Maya

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, excellent detail, sharp, and I like the orange in the eye. Good to see the open beak, lovely BG, and the stray hairs looks like he's put his foot in a power point. :w3

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone. Dan, I did boost the contrast a little bit, which may have made the darks look darker than might be expected.

[Doug Brown]

Really nice portrait with a great open-beak pose. Like the BG too. I think backing off a bit on contrast will help the image.

[Chris Martinez]

Killer head shot! Gorgeous!
Sorry I have nothing constructive to offer.