American Bittern

Gallery: AvianPosted February 12, 2013129 views11 comments

The recent snowstorm (nearly 3 FEET!) really helped to knock down the marsh grasses... the only thing I like about snow. So, with the grasses flattened, the birds stalking the road-side ditches are much easier to see and photograph. Didn't take long to spot this guy. Actually saw him catch a fish (never seen that before) but there were some OOF bits of vegetation in the way. OH well

Nikon D300s 300 f4 + 1.7X TC HH from car
f/7.1
1/1600s
ISO 640

Cropped a bit off the bottom - kept everything on the horizontal plane though to emphasize the stretch of the bird. Minor adjustments in CS5 on 27" iMac

- Luke

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 12, 2013 at 11:16 PM

Looks like a streak of Bitterns,Luke. I like the hunting pose and the lifted foot.

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

Comment posted by Mark Jenkins on February 13, 2013 at 7:22 AM

Nice lighting, action and sharpness. Raised foot adds a lot. Nice one, Luke.

Registered on April 20, 2008, 307 Posts, 604 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on February 13, 2013 at 9:15 AM

Love the stalking pose and the nice low angle. Excellent image.
May

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on February 13, 2013 at 10:04 AM

Always nice to see a bittern in the open. This looks good as posted.

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on February 13, 2013 at 11:15 AM

Nice shot of this elusive species. You can see the concentration in it's eyes! Well done, Cheers, Hans

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

Comment posted by Jerry Marella on February 13, 2013 at 11:22 AM

Great shot, Luke. I've never seen a Bittern. Some day... maybe.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 142 Posts, 862 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on February 13, 2013 at 11:53 AM

I like this setting, great pose and sharp details Luke.
Sounds like he got the fish, and you got this shot.
Life is about compromise.

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on February 13, 2013 at 12:15 PM

The "Stalker" at work, love the captured detail, comp and intense look on his face. Nice job!

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

Comment posted by Verdon on February 13, 2013 at 12:58 PM

great striking pose....... well done!!!

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on February 13, 2013 at 5:39 PM

Nice catch. Hard to find these guys around here.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 14, 2013 at 8:42 PM

The raised foot makes this shot for me Luke, light looks a little harsh but certainly great to get this species out in the open.

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