Yellow-crowned night heron in side light

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11018254-lg.jpg

40D. 400 f5.6L at f/6.3. iso 320. 1/500s.

I will post the vertical frame too. that has more room for virtual feet. Let me know which you prefer. With this head angle, I went horizontal. I realised that I did not apply any USM on the bird here...which I probably should. I should also probably spend some more time on highlight details. I also have similar frame in overcast light that I haven't processed yet.

Thks in advance for all the feedback.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11018600-lg.jpg

This one is at f/7.1. 1/400s. USM applied on the bird, I think.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Kaustubh I like the first post best. The composition and BG are terrific!!

[wendell westfall]

Kaustubh, I also like the horizontal framing best, but it does need a bit more room at the bottom. I've never seen this bird before. I'm guessing it is as beautiful -- and as fierce -- as the black-crowned night heron we have here.

[Fabs Forns]

Agree with Wendel, the OP seems a bit tight at the bottom, although the habitat is very artistic as presented.

[arash_hazeghi]

great Kaustubh, you have depicted the environment very well here

[Dave Leroy]

I really like how you have included the habitat. Nicely done.

If I had to choose, I would probably go with the first, although a bit more room as mentioned would be nice.