Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron with jumping fish

[Karen Forderer]

The reason 6 juvenile BCN Herons were hanging around this marsh area was because these fish were constantly jumping out of the water. Every day this heron would just wait on this tree limb until one jumped close enough and then lunge for it. I happened to click this when the fish was in the frame and in the right DOF.

D300s
70-200 2.8 VR1
1/1000 ss
f8
ISO 400
Taken on Oct 2, 4:30 pm
Cropped
darkened legs a bit

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Karen, what a neat capture! Talk about good timing :) If you could selectively sharpen the face a bit, that would be beneficial.

[Karen Forderer]

Thanks, the original is really sharp. I guess changing it for the web softened it. I'm not sure if I can repost it until 24 hours is up.

[RakeshDhareshwar]

This is timing personified !! What a classic capture !!

[David Salem]

Great capture. Timed perfect. Exposure looks good too. I agree that it could use some more sharpening. Good Job...

[Daniel Cadieux]

Terrific timing and/or luck!! I love that the heron is looking at the fish. The red eye looks great among all the blue water, and those huge feet gripping the perch are awesome. I do wish you had a better light angle to prevent the face having some shadow, and I'd lighten the darker streak in ULC. Perhaps also give another round of sharpening to the fish. All-in-all a fun image!

P.S. You can include a repost of the same reworked image within your thread at any time...the 24 hour rule is for a brand new thread.

[PhilCook]

Great timing, talk about being there right time, right place....well done

[Satish Ranadive]

Great moment captured.Love the way heron is looking at fish,nice perch and blue water.

Regards,
Satish.

[Randy Stout]

Karen:

You made the most of your opportunity, excellent timing. Great advice from the folks above. The birds gaze is perfect.

Cheers

Randy