Juvenile Reddish Egret

[Cathy McEntee]

I spotted this bird and a sidekick yesterday morning fishing at high tide at the edge of the marsh. I managed a few shots, but they weren't interested in being watched and they took off. They are rare visitors here and it's always exciting when they are sighted. C&C much appreciated.

Nikon D7000, Nikon 300 2.8 with 1.7 tc
ISO 400, f8, 1/1600
HH from boat early morning

[Joel Eade]

I like the pose and the sharpness looks great. The grass color is beautiful. I wonder if the bird's head could be toned down just slightly, it looks a touch too bright on my monitor. Very nicely done.

[P-A. Fortin]

Nice bird. Well done for hand holding from a boat.

I agree with Joel on toning down a bit, but I would tone done the grass a bit as well. The white patch looks blown here so probably underexposing by 1/3 or 2/3 should do the job.

Head angle looks great. I love how clearly the eye comes out.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Cathy,

Solid advise from both Joel and P-A. To me the subject here is the both the bird and the grass - nice job seeing this opprtunity with nature. It is a good image, wish for a smoother top section without the dark lines against a gray background. But as noted, HHing from a boat you did well, great eye, HA, beautiful grass and the image has a good feel to me - well done!

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Cathy - I also agree with the comments about toning down the head above. Nice capture from a moving boat, not something that is easy to do.

TFS,
Rachel