Black-Crowned Night-Heron

[Doug Brown]

I had a pretty close encounter with a BCNH yesterday. This is a substantial portion of full frame. The BG is some dark water.

http://birdwhisperer.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/BPN/20091025-MG7888-Black-Crowned/692701427_xwvPo-O.jpg

Canon 7D, 400mm, f/9, 1/2000, ISO 400, -1 1/3 EC, hand held

[Jim Fenton]

Beauty of a subject at close range. (why is it they can never turn their eyes toward us? :)

I like the background and their is just the right amount of lightness to the grey on the crown so it's still defined against the black without becoming lost.

Tight crop but I like it as presented.

Perhaps the bill could use just a small amount more sharpening or contrast sharpening?

[Ilija Dukovski]

Great detail on the plumage and really nice colors,
the dark BG goes very well with the bird plumage and
its name too:)

[Doug Brown]

Beauty of a subject at close range. (why is it they can never turn their eyes toward us? :)

I tried to get this guy to look at me, but no luck.

[Jim Fenton]

I wasn't knocking you Dog (just want to be clear)....almost every egret / heron I've ever photographed does it's darnedest not to give me a correctly positioned eye...my guess is that's they way they have to look to see their prey over those long bills?

[Arthur Morris]

Like the SH and the blowing feathers. Undecided on the streaked BKGR. Was this at the zoo?

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nice! We can also see some patterns on the iris, very cool. I'm undecided about the streaks too, but I would probably darken the lowest one to match the others' fainter presence.

[Doug Brown]

Was this at the zoo?

Yep. It's really rocking there right now!

[Chad Griggs]

Very cool, the detail is amazing, it doesn't really get any sharper than this. I would see if I could light the darks a bit and see how it looks. Very nice.

[david cramer]

Great detail, Doug. Practically on your lap! I'd blacken the entire BG.

[Doug Brown]

For all you 100% croppers, here you go. RAW file with no processing at all.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Such fine details here looks amazing. That 7D is rockin'!
I love that eye!

[Harshad Barve]

beautiful image and great expo , sharpness , I may darken BG more
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Super close up Doug, and you have captured some sharp detail. Love their red eyes, and stands out nicely against the dark BG.

[Dave Barnes]

Wow lucky to get this close Doug. That 7D is sure giving you super detail. love the colour and detail of the eye.
I find it a pity that the black feathers on the head are starting to merge with the BG.
I think a tight crop just showing the face and bill could be interesting?

[arash_hazeghi]

Very nice shot Doug, looks like this dude was pretty chill with you getting so close, it's almost a macro shot! sweet detail there. I only wish for a colorful BG.