Rainy Day Stroll

really nice, Craig! An excellent unobscured look with perfect habitat and outstanding details. It's a little tight all around for me.

Beuatiful portrait - normally I would say it's a bit tight, but it is fitting for this species.

Technical Note- I too wish I had captured this fellow with more room all around, especially on the left. What may be difficult to visualize is that while on the refuge during this time of year, you must stay in your car. I was shooting a long lens on the side of the road, shooting OVER some grasses and a clear shot at the rail. Had I backed up and put more distance between us, the foreground grasses would have then obscured him (at least his lower half) as I would be shooting at a lower angle. So while not perfect, I'll settle for this clear shot of a "helter skelter bird" that usually avoids open areas.
Thanks for your observations and comments

Very nice the reeds frame the bird well and provide a good environmental feel. Lovely colour and detail.

hey Craig-- I'd do more than "settle for" this. I didn't know it was full frame, so if was cropped I thought a looser crop might work a little better. If it's full-frame, it's very well composed within the frame, and as stated, an excellent view of a tough species.

Wonderful feather detail on the head area, yes it would of been nice to have a little room but you have to take what you get and you did very well on this, way to go.

Sweet One Craig!!! These are a tough bird to make clean images of, you did a great job. The habitat complements the rail.

Ken Archer

Congrats on capturing this one Craig. I like the headturn showing off that great red eye. Superb job in what sounds like some tough conditions.

What beautiful color on a beautiful bird. Nice job finding him! Sharon

Craig:
I'm too envious to comment. I have a couple of birding spots where I get occasional glimpses of these Rails, but never for long enough or in the open enough for a photo of the entire bird.
In your image, the bird is exceptionally sharp, the pose is perfect, and I like the inclusion of the habitat. Congrats on a terrific capture of a secretive bird.

Gee... "Thanks David," it must be the "PURINA RAIL CHOW" I leave for them.

What a gorgeous bird, Craig, and a fine shot. I don't seem to mind the tight left side because the bird is darker there, too, and just pleasantly fades into its background.

Craig

While it is a little tight this intimate view of this rail is very interesting & appealing to me. Love the colors, details & the great look at the face & eye of this bird.