Least Bittern

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

I think that Nancy and I have been phoyographing the same bird, and may I say it has been quite enjoyable. This was taken last week. Nikon D3, 200-400 w/1.7 ext., effective 650mm, 1/1600sec @ f/6., ISO 800, AF-C. I removed an affending reed accross the bill other than that nothing except a little sharpening.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Nice find and the fish adds to it. The setting is a bit busy and I wish for wider DOF.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Mac this is really a great pose to have captured! Lovely color and exposure and with the tadpole. The DOF is the only nit, as pointed out by Axel. I try to use at least f7.1 as a compromise between BG and trying to get the entire bird in focus, or at least the part that is important, the center of focus.

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

Thanks Nancy I will try that. My wife gave me a brand new D300 for my birthday and I will be going out today to try it and I will use you settings. Thanks to both you and Axel.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Wheeler Nice gift !!!!!

Can also add the bird is in mixed light which doesn't help much Would also like to have the head twisted more parallel to the camera (just like head angle) Would try smoothing some of the bg stick and evict the one going through his bill Good exposure and do like the selected crop !!!!

[Sid Garige]

Nikon D3, 200-400 w/1.7 ext., effective 650mm, 1/1600sec @ f/6., ISO 800, AF-C

I do see some noise in your image. at 1/1600 shutter speed you had enough room to bring down ISO to 400.