Theme: Vlad the Impaler

[Moe Richard]

Herons are quite patient when it comes to food. This was taken in 2006 in an area with tall grasses near Puget Sound in the PNW. Despite getting quite a few shots, the Heron never turned his head more than this. This was reprocessed today with newer tools and skills.
Yes, it is not the best image. The light was too harsh and the environment was really busy. But I have yet to see another heron impaling its prey.

iso250, 500mm f4 (no VR) plus 1.4 extender, f8, 320th, tripod, D2X, 50% of full frame
182351

[Jonathan Ashton]

The angle isn't ideal but this is a first for me also, I think you did a decent job under the circumstances. Well caught.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nasty! Those herons will take anything they think they can fit, and more! Although the head angle is not good, it is perfect for a good look at the muskrat. Yes to harsh light and busy BG. Looks like you have blurred the BG top and left?

[gail bisson]

Woah...what action you captured here.
If the HA had been a bit better this would have been a killer image.
What did you do to the BG on LHS?

[Moe Richard]

I agree with your assessment. This was a very busy image and I tried to deemphasize the clutter with several tilt **** blurs. I also through in a moderate vignette. Here is the original. I'm not sure a different crop would improve it but perhaps. Maybe a little tighter and vertical? Any ideas? Thanks.
182379

[John Mack]

If the birds head was parallel to you this would have benn killer.