Juvie Black-Crowned Night Heron

[Melissa Groo]

Canon 1D Mark IV
500mm
Handheld from a kayak

f/5
1/2000
ISO 640

From the bay at Ocean City, MD last week, one evening out on a kayak. I saw five or six of these hunting in the shallow waters on a beach. I couldn't move past a sign that announced no entry due to nesting birds, but I crooked my leg around the signpost to anchor myself and stole a few shots. I find it so fascinating how different black-crowned night herons look as juveniles. I love their tawny intricate patterning. The golden evening light really accentuated the warm colors of their feathers.
Slight crop. I cloned out a couple OOF other juves in the background, as well as some whitish spots here and there. Added a little canvas below for the virtual feet.
Thank you in advance for any comments and critiques, they are each appreciated.

[dankearl]

Great Portrait, Melissa. The bird pops so well, it appears almost photoshopped in and I mean that in a good way!
Very nice BG to go with, also.

[Jeff Sorbie]

Beautiful warm light and sharp. I like the low angle and OOF BG which does make this Pop as Dan has said above. Great shot Melissa.

[Marina Scarr]

It appears all the work you did to capture this picture, as well as the PS work, was well worth your while. The light is stunning, as is the pose. The heron simply jumps right off of the screen. The details and colors are tremendous. This is one of the best juvi photographs I have seen of this species.

[Lorant Voros]

Awesome IQ and great effort to have the shot. I agree it really pops out of the environment. Nice job and a beautiful juvi portrait.

[PhilCook]

Love the golden light and subject sits in the frame nicely, I rather like the little wavelet around it's legs too

[gail bisson]

This is really lovely Melissa. I love the light and the HA and the pose. Gotta love the 2 feathers protruding from the back,
Gail

[jack williamson]

Special light and awesome IQ and BG. The detail on this bird is outstanding.

Jack

[Grace Scalzo]

Such a lovely image of this juvie, Melissa. Made even more impressive that you were using a 500 in a kayak. Love the light.

[Jack Breakfast]

I'll second Marina's comment: one of my favorite juv. bcnh pictures ever! No need to double up on all the glowing compliments. Thanks for sharing this eye-dazzler

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Melissa, I like the perspective created from shooting from your kayak. The light and overall colours are simply stunning, and I do like the feather detail on the juvi. Just enough space below for the virtual feet.

[Frank Schauf]

Excellent shot with very nice soft background.

[arash_hazeghi]

This is excellent Melissa, I love those tail feathers! sweet light details and low angle. well done

[Melissa Groo]

Thanks so much everyone for the kind comments!

[Mike Milicia]

Ditto all of the above ... light makes this one special!