Black Crowned Night Heron

[Michael Pancier]

This heron was hanging out at the Palm Beach Zoo as do other nesting herons. He wasn't skittish at all and allowed to take his picture from close range.

I loved the shade of blue/green from its wing feathers that really stood out in the direct afternoon sun. I've never seen that shade of blue/green before on these birds.

1d Mark II + 70-200 2.8L @ 200mm hh
f/5.6
1/1600
Ev. @ -1 in Av mode
no flash
full frame

I burned out some of the blue water reflection patch to create a total black background.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the details and head angle. I would have stopped down more for wider DOF and might crop a bit off the bottom and add a bit canvas on the left. The light looks a bit harsh.

[David Roach]

The dark BG works for me. Just wish for softer light.

[Dave Mills]

Hey Michael....I like your basic image and thought I might play with it a bit. I cropped it a bit from the bottom and added S/H to bring out more detail in the feathers. Added Nik Bril & Warmth a small amount to give it a warmer look...Also added a bit more room on the right...