Got Lunch?

Gallery: AvianPosted January 26, 201375 views10 comments

The American Bittern is probably my favorite bird. I love their earthtoned coloration and camouflage markings and never tire of watching these stalkers in action. This bird was captured at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, WA

Larger version available, "Thanks for stopping!"

canon 7D
canon 600mm F4.L IS USM
F/8.0 1/60 ISO 125
beanbag rest on auto window

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on January 26, 2013 at 6:18 PM

Your perspective here is excellent and I get the sense that you are hunting right along with the Bittern. Great warm tones. Excellent portrait of this secretive bird. Love it! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 26, 2013 at 6:46 PM

I love the colors and textures in this. Very nice.

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

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 26, 2013 at 9:33 PM

Craig, this is just fantastic. I love your comp and the great setting. I haven't been active here lately but I see that you remain a master of getting sharp images with very slow shutter speeds. If I recall correctly this is not the first time you've shown us a very fine image of a bittern. great work.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 26, 2013 at 10:54 PM

I love the composition, Craig. The raised foot really makes this shot for me. Excellent.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on January 26, 2013 at 11:39 PM

I really like this one Craig. I'll echo what Sharon said as that is how it first struck me. Great shot on what is normally a very secretive bird. Color, detail, and comp are right on. You hit the trigger at the right moment.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on January 27, 2013 at 12:24 AM

A wonderful close-up Craig - makes me feel I'm right down there in the swamp.

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 27, 2013 at 4:22 AM

Wonderful and intimate shot Craig ! These elusive birds are so hard to find and frame - well done ! Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Lusk on January 27, 2013 at 4:31 PM

The next best thing to being there!

Registered on September 17, 2005, 312 Posts, 600 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on January 27, 2013 at 4:47 PM

Excellent low perspective and strong implied action. Really excellent, Craig. The intensity of the shot is quite good.

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on January 27, 2013 at 6:27 PM

Gret close capture Craig - he's certainly concentrating. Sadly our bittern is on the verge of extinction.

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