Little Bullet

Gallery: AvianPosted October 13, 2011153 views8 comments

I have been trying to get a stationary Little Bittern for a long time and have only managed on one previous occasion. When a flash of orange caught my eye as it burst from a reed bed, I managed to fire off 4 frames of which 3 were fortunately in focus. I chose this image above the other two which both have the wings in a higher position but with no underwing lighting. This species doesn't really lift its wings high enough for underwing light. From a challenge point off view this must be one of my most rewarding shots. This was shot from a bird hide at Rondevlei nature reserve near Cape Town.

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1600
Av( Aperture Value ) 6.3
Metering Mode Partial Metering
ISO Speed 250
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length 500.0mm

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on October 13, 2011 at 1:36 PM

You are surely aware of what an elusive bird this is and this image is an amazing rare capture. Inflight, in-focus and incredibly well shot. Excellent work Neal!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 13, 2011 at 3:04 PM

Really great shot Neal. Love the BG. Bird is sharp. Great flight shot.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on October 13, 2011 at 4:32 PM

Terrific! A very difficult subject; amazing results.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on October 13, 2011 at 6:43 PM

Great job! Flight shots are hard enough when you see the bird coming and can track it from a distance. This sounds more like a quick reaction. But I'm sure previous experience let your instincts kick it to get the shot. The large version is a treat (though it looks like its time for a pedicure

)

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Avi Hirschfield on October 15, 2011 at 5:51 AM

Vasbyt was what they used to say to me in SA .Perseverence normally pay's off.
Great capture

Registered on November 1, 2003, 518 Posts, 2114 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on October 15, 2011 at 7:51 AM

Really nice job on a tough one to get. I like the bg grasses too

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

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on October 16, 2011 at 12:13 AM

Excellent - sharp and a great view of the upperwing. I like the background textures too.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on October 18, 2011 at 3:56 AM

Another fantastic capture Neal, definitely one to be proud of, very well done!

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments