Theme Bare-throated Tiger Heron

[Jim Crosswell]

This was taken last year in Costa Rica. This Heron was hanging around the place I was staying at eating up lizards. All C&Cs are welcome and appreciated.

Canon 1D MK IV
500L f4
1.4 Extender
ISO 1600
F8
1/160s
Tripod

[John Robinson]

Hi Jim
Good detail on this close up. Nice soft detal in the BG too Not too sure about the reddish area but no big deal
John

[William Dickson]

Great looking details on the bird Jim. The eye and bill look really good. I would like to see the whole BG toned down a bit. I am sure that would make the bird look even better. Good work

Will

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks John and William. The red is OOF flowers that were that bright but I'm not opposed to toning them down.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Excellent portrait of this beauty Jim. Nice techs - great call on the DOF. The flowers don't bug me at all.
A couple years ago one showed up in the Rio Grande valley and many of the local birders promptly made the 8 hour drive from Austin to see this celebrity. Would love to see this species some day.

[Arthur Morris]

Stunning bird, detail, sharpness, and a beautiful background. You killed it.

[Arthur Morris]

ps: I forgot the perfect head angle....

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent pose, detail and background, Jim. Well made.

[Shawn Zierman]

Sweet species and very nice job on the sharpening of the subject. The red flowers are jarring for me, but that's partly because I rarely ever have the chance or familiarity of photographing birds with red flowers in the background... :) Probably pretty natural for this location and the longer I look at the image, the more I like the flowers and what they add for pop and uniqueness.

[Raybel Robles]

I don't mind the red flowers. I think it adds an extra touch to the image, if anything maybe just tuning down the red would help. I love this bird and you show it really nice. I hope one day to see one when I make it to Costa Rica. I wonder if you can sharpen the face area around the eyes just a tad bit more?

[Marina Scarr]

I'm with Artie on this one. Killer image all around and I love the flowers in the BG b/c it's makes this portrait unique.

[David Salem]

I'm with everyone on this!! Killer portrait of this unique and beautiful bird. Well done Jim

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent portrait with lovely colors and superb details.

Regards,
Satish.

[Girish Prahalad]

superb portrait. excellent details, colors & BG.

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments and suggestions.