Cattle Egret

[John Rowell]

A Cattle Egret coming in to land in Bradenton, FL last month. It was very busy with nest building activities, making it difficult to isolate individual birds. I removed an oof great egret and some branches that were directly under the incoming egret. I would have wished to get the head separated more from the right wing, but maybe next time.

This is about 60% of the full image, sharpening on the bird only, a touch of surface blur on the background. Nikon D4, 80-400 mm f4.5-5.6 @ 400 mm, HH, 1/4000 sec, f 6.3.

Thanks for looking, all comments welcome.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Super exposure and plumage details I like the inclusion of the foliage, as you mention a slightly more favourable head position would have really been ideal, nevertheless a great image.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Better head to body/wing separation would've been a killer with a perfect HA. Though still wonderful, excellent control of exposure and great details. Comp spot on for me. Well done.

[Karl Egressy]

Beautiful flight shot nice pose. It is good that the beak just cleared the wing, or almost.

[John Robinson]

I agree with Jons comments . Lovely bright shot. You have some great stuff in Florida no doubt about it.
John

[Daniel Cadieux]

It was very busy with nest building activities, making it difficult to isolate individual birds

What a fun predicament to be faced with!! I like the incoming pose, good control of the whites, and the bit of vegetation below. Nice breeding colours. As you mention, a bit more separation from the far wing would have been ideal.

[William Dickson]

Fantastic lighting John and I really like the colours and details on the bird, the leaves in the corner, really adds to the image. Good work

Will