Collecting nesting material.

[Stu Bowie]

At this location, the Herons, Ibis's and Egrets are always on the go collecting nesting material. To help the Egrets, we throw small sticks into the water in the hope that they will drop down over the water and pick them up. I got lucky. Taken early yesterday morning.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2X TC 600mm ( given to me to use for the morning )
1/2500
F/7.1
ISO 640

Manual exposure
Hand held

[Karl Egressy]

Smart way of attracting them to the water. On top it is a little help in their nest building. Nice image, Stuart.

[gail bisson]

This is great Stuart.
Really like the head on view and the angle of the head. Exposure is perfect. The foot just coming out of the water and the splash is very nice.
I would crop a bit tighter- especially from the top.
A keeper for sure,
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Good timing to get the take-off splash, and I like the angle of the head, with the eye showing. I could also imagine a tighter crop.

[Marina Scarr]

Love the behavior and how large the stick is when compared to the bird. I like the funny position of the bird. Agree with Gail on cropping tighter, esp from the top.

[David Salem]

Nice capture Stuart and a pretty fun way to get it. I like the pose and the HA as it tries to haul out the stick. Exposure and details look great and I would crop tighter too if the IQ holds up. Nice one

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the action, exposure, sharpness and great idea of providing twigs. Another vote for a tighter crop. Well done Stuart!

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for the feedback everyone.