Purple Heron

[Morkel Erasmus]

I went out to a local reserve this morning to test out my new gear (I officially made the switch from Canon to Nikon yesterday). It was a quiet morning...but I was happy to get this near-adult Goliath Heron taking off from a nearby tree while driving.

I wish I had a frame with the wings outstretched but as you can see in this frame he suddenly changed direction and I was already panning to the left as he took off.

Techs:
Nikon D3s with Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II + TC-14E(II) @ 700mm
f5.6 @ 1/2000 SS @ ISO-1600
Rested on "The Black Pod" Pro Series screw-in beanbag over car window

[dankearl]

Cool pose, Morkel.
Nice action, head and legs look great.
The new equipment seems to work well for you.

[Fred Canter]

Love the position, body going one way and the head another, along with the wings being in the position they are in. It's like it can't decide which way to go.
Welcome to Nikon, nice to see another Nikon user here.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like the wing position as is...along with the feet dangling and the neck and head turned it makes for an overall dynamic pose. Details look good, exposure spot-on. Not crazy about the hint of shadow in front of the eye.

[Jason Stander]

Hi Morkel... I think you have achieved a great shot... love the movement... and sharpness... exposure is spot on... sad to see you leave Canon... WD Mate!

[Joe Senzatimore]

Super detail and fine comp. and exposure. Welcome to the" dark side."

[Melissa Groo]

Love this position and comp, really nice balance to it all. Great sharpness and detail. Looks like you are already doing that camera justice!

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thanks for the comments folks! After checking my bird guide I realised it's actually a "Purple Heron"...very similar in colouration to the Goliath which is why I thought this was a juvie of the latter (did seem to be smaller than the Goliath I photographed the other day).

[Mitch Carucci]

Wow! If this was one of the first pics with your new equipment, the future looks bright for you!!!

[arash_hazeghi]

congrats for the new gear! great first test shot too! looking forward to more cool stuff