Sandhill Crane...

I captured this image at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County, Florida. The Sandhill Crane is gently rotating one of two eggs in the nest. This nest is in the area where a pair of Sandhill Cranes nested in 2012. I think the high water this year after the hurricane protects the nest using alligators to keep predators away. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Nikon D500
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED image captured at 340mm
1/2000 F/5.6 Matrix Metering EV +1/3 ISO 720 AWB, camera supported by a monopod
Post processed in Lightroom Classic CC and Photoshop CC 2018
Pretty much full frame, a little off the bottom for composition

Joe;

I like the pose with the curved neck, angled legs, birds concentration on the egg.

From a story telling standpoint, I wish the egg was just a bit more visible.

Visually, because of the nesting area, the background is a bit distracting. Was a lower shooting angle possible? That could throw the background more OOF. Then of course, the egg would be even harder to see! Can't have it all unfortunately.

I do find the bokeh of this lens in general a bit 'busy', and when I shoot with it, am always trying to shoot at an angle that softens the background as much as possible.

Cheers

Randy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Randy Stout

Joe;

I like the pose with the curved neck, angled legs, birds concentration on the egg.

From a story telling standpoint, I wish the egg was just a bit more visible.

Visually, because of the nesting area, the background is a bit distracting. Was a lower shooting angle possible? That could throw the background more OOF. Then of course, the egg would be even harder to see! Can't have it all unfortunately.

I do find the bokeh of this lens in general a bit 'busy', and when I shoot with it, am always trying to shoot at an angle that softens the background as much as possible.

Cheers

Randy

---

Hi Randy, not possible to get lower. One is required to stay on the trails which are on top of dikes to control water in the wetland. And then there are alligators along the water edge. I knew the background was not the best but loved the bird and the nurturing and caring for the eggs. I have another crop which I will post.

Joe:

I thought that getting lower might not be an option for you. Were you walking or in a vehicle?

I like the repost/crop better, keeps the good and reduces some of the clutter. Some will feel it is too tight now. It always a trade off to find the best balance.

Cheers

Randy

The vertical is much better in my opinion. Nice detail in the nest and all the grasses.

Nice behavior here and a tender moment you have captured. I prefer the original. Joe, this image also has a blue cast on the bird. Your images in the past did not have this but all of them posted lately do. Have you done something different with your processing?

Superb shot Joe. The background may be a little busy but knowing the area, there is not much you can do.