Black-crowned Night Heron

[Bill Dix]

Came across a group of 25 or 30 adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night Herons in the light rain at Brigantine several weeks ago. Most were partially concealed in the bushes, but this guy posed nicely for a minute. Caught him in several more typically hunched-over night-heron postures, but thought this upright pose was interesting. Cropped from horizontal. C&C appreciated.

D7000 | 500f4 + 1.4 | ISO 1600 | 1/320s @ f/7.1 | + 1.0 EV | tripod

[Jim Crosswell]

Nice image Bill! I couldn't image that many BCNHs in one spot. I like the pose, setting and the red eye.

[dankearl]

Very nice pose, sharpness and habitat.
The eye is great.
I wish we had them around where I live.

[Ron Sprunger]

I saw quite a few in Hawaii a couple months ago, but didn't get anywhere near this nice a portrait. IMO this is absolutely wonderful -- sharp, great comp, interesting BG without being distracting. Colors are wonderful. You might try toning down the top of the beak a little. Great job on this.

[Rene Quenneville]

Nice pose. I wish the head was a little more toward the camera. You were lucky to see tis many of theme at the same place. On my monitor, the white balance seems to be a little on the blue side.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all for your comments. Sorry I'm slow in responding. Yes, it was amazing to see this many at once. In the past I've only seen two together - I assume they were migrating as a group and stopped by Brigantine for the weather to clear.