Black Bittern

[Lance Peters]

Another from my trip - the secretive Black Bittern - seen many times but so easily flushed from their hiding places that they are usually spotted as they are flying away. This was early morning and already the light was starting to get harsh - still has a bit of a golden glow.

D3
Nikon 500mm F4 with 1.7X Converter
F6.7
1/5000th
-1.3EV
800 ISO
Matrix Metering
Monopod

Had just come out of a shady section of the rainforest river - hence the settings above.
comments welcome :)

[Caspar Davis]

I've never seen a bittern, would love to. This is remarkable picture -I love the bg and you must have lightning reflexes!

[Alfred Forns]

Can imagine the difficulty in nailing one Lance, Big Congrats on the capture !!!

[Gus Cobos]

Love that rich leafy background and the surprise capture Mr. Peters...it looks like your subject was about to spook away...good show...you have sharp details and a sharp eye and good head angle...:cool:

[Dave Mills]

Hi Lance, Great shot with beautiful light of an elusive subject. I would crop the image down to where the line ends on the upper right....

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Well balanced image, the habitat is beautiful too - what a great BG - nice nature shot.

[Bill Dix]

Amazing! You must be quick with the trigger finger to catch one of these guys before he got past you. I'm still waiting to get my first American Bittern, rarely seen and never on camera. Well done! Love the habitat.

[Indranil Sircar]

Beautiful composition, Lance. I love the pose and inclusion of the habitat. I would second Dave's suggestion in cropping it down further to show more of the bittern with that beautiful details and light.