The most confiding crake I've met!

[Richard Flack]

Spotted Crake
Location: Midrand, Jhb, South Africa

We recently had a very rare visitor to Midrand, Jhb in the form of a spotted crake. These birds are notorious skulkers but this particular bird was by far the most accommodating crake I have ever met (and possibly the most photographed).

ISO 500 / 1/1600s / f6.3 / -0.3step / sharpened for web / very close to full frame and out of the camera

[Karl Egressy]

Great opportunity and a very nice image.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Rich, a rare subject indeed, and I believe just down the road from me in Waterfall Park. Well timed to have captured the feeding behaviour, and I like the dangling weed. I would neaten up the eye, and only have one catchlight.

[Bill Dix]

Terrific capture of this elusive bird. Nicely done. I also noticed the multiple catchlights; would look cleaner with just one. What lens?

[David Salem]

Nice looking frame Richard. Clean up the eye and you are done, well done

[Richard Flack]

Thanks guys, I think the catch lights may be water droplets but I agree (whatever they are) that cleaning them up is a good idea :). Thanks so much for taking the time.