Justin: Yes, it was taken on Lesvos as was this shot, no surprise there then.
John: It was 250mm on the lens , shot at 1/60 @ f11, and is full frame
After getting the head shot, and feeling well chuffed with myself, I decided to pull away from the reedbed, and as it was getting late in the day, I had roughly one hour of good light left, I parked up to think about my remaining options. I had parked in such a manner that I could still cover the reed fringes, as I knew that there were Little Bitterns breeding on the lake, and I stood a chance of one turning up, they did later, a pair, but they stayed in the thicker vegetation.
Still thinking of what to do/go next, I glanced up, and was very pleasantly surprised to see that the European Bittern had come out to forage.
This was the start of one of those golden sessions we all dream, about and remember for many years.
80-400 @ 400mm, 1/125 @ f8, tripod mounted, from car, electrical cable release used. Full frame.
Posted by Sam Mannaerts on January 4, 2009 at 6:06 AM
A very nice image and must have been a thrill to get him out in the open like this.
Posted by Magnus Hird on January 5, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Very nice to see a bittern this much in the open - viewing never mind photographing - so I can understand why you'll remember this episode. Thought the colours were my laptop but as someone else has mentioned it it does look a little green
Posted by Brett Lewis on January 5, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Nits already mentioned but what a wonderful capture. Nice light and detail on this really nice bird. Thanks for sharing..
Discussion
7 repliesJustin: Yes, it was taken on Lesvos as was this shot, no surprise there then.
John: It was 250mm on the lens , shot at 1/60 @ f11, and is full frame
After getting the head shot, and feeling well chuffed with myself, I decided to pull away from the reedbed, and as it was getting late in the day, I had roughly one hour of good light left, I parked up to think about my remaining options. I had parked in such a manner that I could still cover the reed fringes, as I knew that there were Little Bitterns breeding on the lake, and I stood a chance of one turning up, they did later, a pair, but they stayed in the thicker vegetation.
Still thinking of what to do/go next, I glanced up, and was very pleasantly surprised to see that the European Bittern had come out to forage.
This was the start of one of those golden sessions we all dream, about and remember for many years.
80-400 @ 400mm, 1/125 @ f8, tripod mounted, from car, electrical cable release used. Full frame.
Robert
David
Steve
Brett