Least Bittern repost

Gallery: AvianPosted December 11, 2016149 views3 comments

Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: May 24, 2016, 7:29 am
Equipment: Nikon D7200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), G1325 tripod, RRS BH-55, sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/1250^th @ f/8, -0.7 ev compensation
Raw, PS CC 2015 on Mac, 83% of frame (20MP)

A repost, unaltered, from 5/26/16.

The Least Bittern is our smallest heron, and they can be hard to find. Especially in AZ where habitat for them is limited. But they are probably at the Water Ranch most of each year and theyt are a treat to see. This individual is in high breeding plumage, and was calling its soft mating “song” from inside the vegetation. It eventually came out and posed for me. I was set up on a floating boardwalk that rocked each time a kid ran by or a mother pushed past with her baby buggy.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 11, 2016 at 5:06 PM

I remember this one, Richard, because it was a new bird for me. Beautiful image of this bird in a very nice setting. The casing from some insect that molted on one of the reeds adds a very neat touch.

Excellent work.

devil

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

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on December 12, 2016 at 2:15 PM

The Heron stands out well from the habitat and has great detail and color Richard. It looks as if it's ready to pounce on something or take off. I've never seen one of these so I'm glad I got to see yours. Well done!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on December 12, 2016 at 3:19 PM

Fine work just finding a Least Bittern this far out in the open. And in full breeding plumage to top that. Your usual impeccable techs. Excellent use of the opportunity, Rich.

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