Little Bittern

[Dudley Watson]

Image captured from hide in wetlands cloe to Johannesburg South Africa. This is the closest image I have managed with this bird. Processed in CS6 with background Nr and cloning of one twig.

Nikon D3s with 500 mm f4 lens and 1.4 Tc
S/s 1/3200
F 5.6
Iso 1000
Manual
E/c+1/3

All comments appreciated

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like the feeding behaviour (what is it catching?), details, colours. The low angle and bit of reflection at bottom is nice. I could see a bit more room at left if you have it as I find the rump rather close to the edge. You could also burn the pupil to make it darker.

[Mike Milicia]

Cool bird and behavior! Agree with Daniel about more room on left. Looks like it could maybe use a bit of CW rotation as well.
I might tone down the brightest parts of the breast just a tad.

[Uri First]

excellent capture. loved the pose and details but on my screen the face whites are too harsh which is a bit distracting

[PhilCook]

Whatever he's eating I dont want any of it hehehehe

Great timing Dudley and great looking bird, like how he/she is using the reed for support....yes to more room of the left and toning back the brightness a little

[Roman Kurywczak]

I too agree with the above assessments....good timing and minor tweaks to a very nice image!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dudley, Marievale seems to be producing again, and what a great open image of this fellow. The day I saw him, he was tucked away in reeds. Colours look good, and well timed for the feeding behaviour. Maybe a little more space behind the tail.

[Arno Ellmer]

Great capture and opportunity taken,Dudley.Yes, this is closest that I have seen this bird. Agree on more space on left and would tone down the head and beak area a wee bit.

[Dudley Watson]

Thanks for all your input much appreciated.I have made adjustments as recommended and attach the image.