American Bittern

[James Salywoda]

American Bittern
Southern California

This is a bird that really is rarely seen in flight and I managed to get it in several wing positions as I liked this one as it shows its markings well on the body...

Nikon D300 AFS 600 F4 1.4 TC
1/1600 F5.6 ISO 500

Thanks For Looking

Jim

[Chris van Rooyen]

Fantastic light and sharpness, do you have others with the wings down/up? Would love to see those

[Katie Rupp]

It's hard to get this bird in the open, let alone in flight! Congrats on another excellent BIF image, Jim.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Rare shot, James...and so well done. Loved the light, sharpnes, Bg and the angle of the bird. way to go...

[James Salywoda]

do you have others with the wings down/up? Would love to see those

Thanks! When I get home from work I'll attach other images I did post wings up and down
a while back here on BPN.:)

[Michael Bertelsen]

Well done James,
Best Bittern shot I have seen.

Michael Bertelsen

[denise ippolito]

Nice sharp details and eye. You always seem to get such a lovely BG too!

[Arno Ellmer]

Superb capture ,James, with great complementary bg.

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Wow. Seeing a Bittern is always a delight but catching one in flight with great light and background is just fantastic. Great job!

Are your shots all from Bolsa Chica Wetlands? And recently taken? Maybe a short trip is in order in January...

JR

[Sid Garige]

Outstanding image James. one of a kind image.

[Jeff Dyck]

Outstanding Jim! Although intuitively I know American Bitterns fly, I have only observed one in-flight once myself (and I had to do a double take when I saw it) and, as my luck seems to go sometimes, I didn't have my camera with me. Great job taking advantage of the opportunity.

[Bill Dix]

Amazing to capture one of these guys in flight, and so beautifully done. Great work, Jim.

[Alan Murphy]

Fantastic flight shot James. Wish it was mine.

[Peter Farrell]

James, another great BIF image. I love the lighting, BG, sharpness and the up turned wing tip. The pea green legs are cool as well.
Peter

[James Salywoda]

Another look at the Bittern... as requested. Thanks all for the comments.

[Pieter de Waal]

Wow ! Not much to add , both images are stunning. The light, background, exposure and detail are exceptional. Congrats.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Beautiful image of the beauty. nice light and BG...

[Stu Bowie]

Fantastic light and colours, and both images work in their own way. Well captured.

[Ken Watkins]

I cannot add much to the other comments in particular the rarity of these images.

Both are great a "once in a lifetime" opportunity well used.:cheers:

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks James, the wings down one is spectacular! Well done mate

[Harshad Barve]

I cannot add much to the other comments in particular the rarity of these images.

Both are great a "once in a lifetime" opportunity well used.:cheers:

+ one here :cheers::cheers::cheers:
TFS

[Matthew Studebaker]

nice action and colors here!