American Bittern

[Anita Rakestraw]

Had I not seen images of this bird on BPN, my eye would not have noticed its head barely visible above the grass, and I certainly would not have known what it was! So, thanks, BPN! I was able to get a number of images of him, including flight images. I liked this one because of the way the neck feathers show separate from the body feathers; although, the background isn't so hot.

1D Mk III, 100-400mm IS @ 360, handheld
5/11/08, approx. 7:30 p.m.
ISO 800, 1/800, f/6.3, EV 0

[Nonda Surratt]

What a find! Very cool Anita! I believe that is about the classic, you can't see me pose. I also like the feather separation. Seems just a bit bright maybe. Still and all super find!!!

[Harold Davis]

very secretive and always cool when you find them and get em out in the open like this!!! agree with nonda. looks a little bright to me too!! not too much, but i would tone the bird down a little and the bg a little more. awesome find!! thanks for sharing.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Anita this is were they live. Difficult to get them out in the open .... I have not been able !!! ... got one in flight?

Would add some black to the selective color for more density and local contrast !!! I like it a lot Great find !!!

[Anita Rakestraw]

Thanks, Nonda, Harold and Alfred, I greatly appreciate your comments! I've tried to tone it down a bit; please let me know if this looks better or is not what you had in mind.

[Nonda Surratt]

Yea that be it! NICE fix!

There has been one spotted at the wetlands near by and I'll be darn if I've seen it!

P.S. I would love to see the flight image

[Harold Davis]

sweet!!! love the repost!!

[Sid Overbey]

I really like the repost. Beautiful capture.

[Anita Rakestraw]

Thank you, Nonda, Harold, and Sid. I'll post a flight image soon.

[Gus Cobos]

Love that repost...:cool:

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Excellent repost, nice capture!!!!