Little Blue Heron

This Juvenile was sseen on Bayou Drive near Spring Hill, Florida

1/6400 at f8 and ISO400 EC -1
Canon 500 with 1.4 TC
Canon 7D

At first I thought this to be one of the egrets (snowy or cattle) but the grey beak was a mystery. My Birds of Florida guide book defines Little Blue Herons as unique among North American Herons as having a true white phase. In their second year and older they will show no white at all.

I was a bit surprised at the shutter speed as I was in aperture priority and did not expect such a fast SS.

I like the pose and composition. Looks little dark on my calibrated screen.

Pose, perch, and BG are all top notch. Agree with Sid that you could brighten things up a little.

Nice pose and perch. I would also lighten it a touch. :)

nice capture of a young one Fun here in Spring when our few strays come White birds,juvie first years with slate blue parents Snowey egret plus little blue? Rare enough in N Ohio for people to go nuts Thanks for posting.
Sam

This is lovely Scott, I agree about lightening it a touch but perhaps just the bird and perch, the BG looks really nice as is I think.