Late BCNH

Gallery: AvianPosted November 29, 200986 views9 comments

I took this about a week ago at Quivra NWR, central Kansas. The sun was getting really low when I spotted this Black-crowned Night-heron in a small pool. There aren't many BCNH left around here this late in the year. 50D, 1/400, f/8, ISO 400, ~50% crop

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Sally King on November 29, 2009 at 9:42 PM

I like how well the night heron stands out from the dark background. Cool legs. Nice details and eye.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on November 29, 2009 at 10:18 PM

Th squinting eye and reflection of the water on the legs really makes this strong - plus you got the white crown feather which can sometimes be difficult to deal with

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on November 30, 2009 at 7:59 AM

Rob, I like the warm light on the front of this heron and the fine plumage detail. For my tastes I'd prefer a bit more room at bottom - might make for a bit of a squarish crop but I just get the feeling of wanting more room for the legs and feet.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Carrie O'Brien-Sib on November 30, 2009 at 11:31 AM

Fantastic image, Rob!

Registered on August 4, 2009, 149 Posts, 889 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on November 30, 2009 at 12:33 PM

Very nice late evening feel to this shot Rob. I too would like just a bit more room at the bottom. Great work in the low light.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on November 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

Super! Wonderful light, great low angle and very sharp. The head seems elongated from this angle and/or the rest of the body compressed, adding novelty to the image. I would consider toning down the white crown feather (good that you captured it) since it is a featureless aspect of this image and detracts from the more intriguing regions (eye, legs and beak).

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 1, 2009 at 6:03 AM

Rob,

I love how it appears the heron is squinting, yet we still get a nice view of that amazing red eye this species has. The dark water makes the bird seem to glow.

I'd prefer a bit more room on the bottom for the virtual legs, but that is just my personal preference.

An appealing image as presented though and one I'd love to have in my files.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on December 1, 2009 at 9:08 PM

Great image and pov. Would also like a little more leg room.

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on December 1, 2009 at 11:54 PM

Thanks for the comments and inputs. I debated how much foot room to leave when cropping.

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments