Beauty in the Bramble

[David Roach]

It was very early morning with some clouds on the eastern horizon (nice soft light)at Anhinga Trail. I spotted this beauty, perched for a good intimate angle; so I positioned to frame as best I could for all those branches and waited for the head angle. I know we prefer clean BGs; is this too busy?? As always, comments, critiques and learnings welcome!
1DMKIIN 100-400 ISO 800 F5.6@1/125

[Fabs Forns]

Very nicely exposed n sweet light. Tight on the bottom and I'd run some noise reduction and blurring on the BG.
Tnaks for sharing this one.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very nice soft light, details and eye contact. This is one of the instances where I don't find the busy BG distracting since it is not overpowering the bird.

[Alfred Forns]

You managed the stick merges very well I like it as presented !! ... btw never seen so many of these guys at Anhinga !!!

[Grady Weed]

I saw at least 6 to 8 of these guys while down there this past month. Most were flying from the parking area to the far back right or were perched just behind the pavilion parking area on the left side. Love them.

[David Roach]

As always, thanks for the thoughtful comments and learnings!!!! Yes, there does seem to be an explosion of these beauties at this time!!!!

[Beth Goffe]

This is one of the nicest black crowned night heron images I have seen due to its intimate nature. You did work hard to get the best angle to the bird as possible. I agree with Fabs' comment regarding room at the bottom and noise reduction.

[Arthur Morris]

Wonderful choice of perspective. Nice soft light and a sweet head angle. The two twigs coming out of the crown are mildly distracting. All in all, excellent