This is from last year at the Audubon Swamp near Charlestion SC. This is a Great Egret showing part of the courtship ritual seen during breeding season. I know the bg is a bit busy but I still like this because the bird is so beautiful in this pose.
1DsMarkIII, Canon 600mm D IS, full frame, Tripod with Wimberly, f/8.0, 1/1250s, ISO 200, EC -0.67, Av mode, early morning shoot.
Thanks for looking. C & C always appreciated. Enjoy!
Fantastic behavior capture Dan! Love the spread feathers! In a perfect world I would love to get rid of all the elements of the image besides the bird, the nest, and the background. The 2 horizontal branches and the misc. hanging stuff is distracting, especially the piece to the left of the bird closest to the viewer.
As mentioned by yourself the BG is rather busy, but this is where it chose to make its' nest! I do wish the top branch wasn't so close to the bill. I also find the mottled light unfortunate and would have preferred a fully illuminated individual. Not sure if it is possible at this location a different ime of day? I do like the "hardwood forest" feel to the image and the breeding plumage in full display is impressive.
Dan, I like the splayed feather display, and I like reds of the BG intermingled between the feathers. I wish the top branch wasnt there. ( Thanks for your mail. )