American Bittern

Gallery: AvianPosted March 17, 201086 views11 comments

Canon 50D With EF 500mm F4 is and 1.4 tc
1/640 sec, F7.1, ISO 200. From Bean Bag

After hearing Luke's report form yesterday I followed his foot steps and was rewarded with 60 American Bittern shots. Critique is always appreciated.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Erik Van de Water on March 17, 2010 at 9:56 PM

It's unusual for the bird to be so far from cover. I like how the beak leads your eye toward the rest of the bird. I also like the simplicity of the scene.

Registered on February 27, 2010, 6 Posts, 72 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 17, 2010 at 10:15 PM

This unobstructed view really demonstrates the bold stripes on the the breast. His expression says "Busted", and as Erik states, he's way far from cover!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on March 17, 2010 at 11:47 PM

I like the pose and the sweet light. I also like the striped plumage on this bird. Very nice.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on March 18, 2010 at 9:09 AM

Excellent photo Mike. I took a run down there this morning and didn't see any unfortunately. I particularly like the composition and the lighting on the eye

- Luke

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

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on March 18, 2010 at 10:38 AM

Looks like he's saying ,why are all these reeds flattened ! I'd take more off the top here Mike. A great look at him though out in the open like that. You could even try out a vertical crop ?

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on March 18, 2010 at 12:41 PM

cool shot, Michael. Neat to see it out in the open like that. I like the light and how you have lots of reeds in focus.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on March 18, 2010 at 12:56 PM

Great pose & light Michael, how nice to get this skulker out in the open!

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

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on March 18, 2010 at 6:05 PM

Nice, Michael. What a nice op getting this guy out in the open. I agree that maybe a verticle is in order here.

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

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 18, 2010 at 11:25 PM

Great eye contact here Michael, I'd take a little off the top comp wise.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on March 19, 2010 at 12:25 AM

Amazing to fin this fellow so far in the open. Great work!

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on March 19, 2010 at 2:54 PM

Congrats on getting a full view of the bittern in nice light and good eye contact. I can sometimes get two of these, but never all three.

The dramatic stripes really stand out in your sharp shot.

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