Juvenile Tri-colored Heron

[Joseph Przybyla]

I captured this image at the alligator breeding pond rookery in Gatorland, Orlando, Florida. I found a small opening to in the bushes to work through. The bird was standing next to the nest. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Nikon D500
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 220mm
1/500 F/8 Matrix Metering EV 0 ISO 3600 AWB, camera supported by a monopod
Post processed in Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC 2017
Cropped slightly for composition and presentation

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Joe, I really like the framing here, and love the eye contact and fuzzy hairdo. I feel the overall image is a touch too bright. I would like to see a version by reducing the yellows a touch.

[gail bisson]

I have to agree 100% with Stu's critique.
I like the way the foliage frames this guy- just wish the leaf on the RHS did not protrude so much over the body.
Love the fuzz and those big eyes.
Very nice,
Gail

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love this! Very whimsical, and I like the composition. I do agree the image is rather bright - at least the highlights and bright yellows.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Thanks everyone for viewing, commenting, and suggesting improvements. Here is an edit with your suggestions applied. The yellow and highlights have been lowered as Stu and Dan suggested. The out of focus vegetation has been removed as Gail suggested. I really like this image but could not figure out how to make it look right. Your suggestions were spot on. Thanks again everyone, very much appreciated.