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Playing Leapfrog
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Playing Leapfrog

by Craig Strand

Gallery: AvianPosted February 10, 2010131 views8 comments
This American Bitterns version of the game seems to be, 1. Stand very Still 2.Watch for Frogs 3. LEAP ON HIM!
Can spring be all that far away when we start seeing the frogs emerging at the refuge? Taken last tuesday, Ridgefield NWR
A pretty high F stop as this bittern was 30-35 feet away and I wanted the whole bird in focus... then I cropped to highlight the frog, this is about 40% of original image.

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L USM
F/19 1/45 ISO 100
auto window beanbag rest

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on February 10, 2010 at 8:07 PM
Beautiful view of the head and that poor frog. . . looks like he is really being inconvenienced!

I think you can leave a little more room around this photo and use a smaller crop to keep some IQ as the frog is very bright. Did you dodge the phrag behind it? It looks like it has a "grey" cast
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on February 10, 2010 at 8:46 PM
Great detail in this very interesting photo. I liked that you were able to get the action in an open area. As for the frog I get all croaked up.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 10, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Great behavior shot, Craig. I love the look of intensity on the heron, and the detail is exquisite. I thought I hear a frog last weekend up in my neck of the woods. :toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on February 10, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Great angle here to catch view of the little frog. Poor froggie. I wish the bg wasn't so busy but that's not your fault.
Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 11, 2010 at 1:13 PM
A good example of the dangers that lurk in the brush ... at least for this frog. Good job catching the action. I like the environmental aspect of this shot too Craig.
Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 11, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Craig,

I like the action of the bittern catching the frog and the way you composed the shot. Great look at the bird's eye too!
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Saunders on February 11, 2010 at 7:27 PM
What an amazing moment. Well timed Craig . The habitat is fine here , this is where the Bitterns live . :toast:
Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments
Comment posted by David Sparks on February 11, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Craig:
What a neat capture. I like the way you cropped it to highlight the frog. Very nice detail and color on the bittern. :toast:
Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments