Backlit Preening Egret

[Gayle Clement]

The egret chicks are hatching in the local rookeries. This adult is taking advantage of a few moments of quiet as the little ones nap.



Nikon D2X
Nikkor 500mm f/4
Nikkor 1.4 TC-EII
1/250s @ f/5.6
Aperture Priority
Exposure Comp -1/3
ISO 250

[Raul Quinones]

Great picture, love this birds on the breeding plumage. In my monitor seems a little dark. Is this a big crop?

[Gayle Clement]

Thanks, Raul. Only a small amount cropped from the bottom and the right. It was very late in the afternoon, but if I lightened the photo I am worried about blowing about the background and the detail in the egret. I could do it selectively, but I guess I liked the late day look. I appreciate hearing your opinion.