Black-headed Heron ( Juvi )

This juvi black headed heron was learning to fly. He would flap his wings and make a noise, and then take off very unconventionally. Taken from the same hide that I captured my Saddle billed stork, but on a different afternoon. Im sad to say, this juvi died the following afternoon. Whilst I was capturing my saddle billed stork, this guy flew into the same tree as he was perched on here, and some how landed awkwardly. From there, he got tangled in the tree, lost his balance, fell upside down, and seemed to break his neck instantly. It all happened so fast, and although I have captured the whole sequence, At the time I wasnt aware what was actually happening. When he hung there motionless, it was evident that he had died.
This image was captured vertically.

Canon 50D
100-400 @ 320mm
1/1000
F/5.6
ISO 400

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand held.

Here is an image taken the following afternoon of his last moments. This image is unedited.

Hi Stuart,

Sad story, but of course in the natural world life is harsh! Excellent crop and head and wing angles. To me the head and neck look less sharp than the wings, and the whites on the wings look a little hot. The branches passing in front of the bird give the impression of something to get tangled up in, so for me they add to the story.

Richard

Sad, indeed. its hard out there.

Terrific details and exposure.

Very sad to hear and I'm sure it was sad to realize you witnessed it. I like the beautiful details you captured in it's young wings.

excellent pose and sharp details, sorry about his loss.

Sad news bro, but the image makes his spirit live on. Nice capture and we can take a moment to remember how fragile life is for all of us. :) Thanks for sharing.

Thank you all for your comments.

Yup Stuart very sad, never imagined this could happen. Nice action captured, I like the light, the detail in the wings and the hesitant foot forward. Was this at Lake Panic ?.

Thanks Pieter, its never good to witness these type of happenings.