Bitter Bittern, raining

Gallery: AvianPosted May 10, 201198 views12 comments

Another day of rain here in the Pacific Northwest. I studied this damp American Bittern as he braved the elements in search of a meal. I was surprised at how vivid the reds were in the crest feathers, but it's mating time and I'm sure the girls like it.

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Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on May 10, 2011 at 10:14 PM

A nice image with that bright green grass and the rain drops

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

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on May 10, 2011 at 10:48 PM

You have captured the atmosphere very well, Craig. These are very photogenic birds and your image does it justice. Love how the bittern stands out against the bright greens.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on May 10, 2011 at 11:30 PM

He does look pretty bedraggled!
Love how his head is positioned right between the blades of grass, and the water drops add a lot.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on May 10, 2011 at 11:54 PM

Very nice color contrasts. As Sandy said, the blades of grass surrounding the head are perfect...

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Holguin on May 11, 2011 at 12:42 AM

Excellent pic. I really like how the bird outstands against the green grass. Well done.

Registered on January 25, 2011, 44 Posts, 294 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on May 11, 2011 at 3:29 AM

Craig i love to see pictures of birds in the rain this one is lovely i really like it.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on May 11, 2011 at 4:15 PM

Craig:
I'm surprised by the vivid reds too. I haven't seen that in my limited sample of American Bitterns. I like seeing the texture of the wet feathers in the neck region and the water droplets on the surrounding grass. Excellent techs, neat capture!

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

Comment posted by David E Lester on May 11, 2011 at 7:53 PM

You captured it well! No nits here...looks like it is on the hunt!

Registered on March 24, 2010, 155 Posts, 793 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on May 11, 2011 at 8:31 PM

Like the way the bitters is looking out of the grass. Seems just a little cool.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on May 12, 2011 at 8:36 AM

Classic bittern portarit Craig - well done

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on May 12, 2011 at 9:43 AM

Excellent portrait Craig, I like the way you composed this and the water drops on all the reeds.

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

Comment posted by May Haga on May 12, 2011 at 6:24 PM

Perfect capture of this bittern Craig. Love the setting.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments