Point out a Pointer w/REPOST

American Bittern, 1/22/09 Ridgefield NWR, pointing out lunch!

canon 40D
canon 600mm f4.L
F/4.0
1/1600
ISO 400

Boy this shot is so focused I'm wondering what he could teach my English Spanial

I don't have any expertise on avian shots but I know what I like and I like this shot, Craig. Perhaps it's cropped too close to the beak?

I'd like the bird a tad more off-center, as Marc suggests, perhaps a bit more room in front. What a odd looking character. I'm supposing that Heron-like neck and beak is for grabbing small fish, bugs and things.

I agree that a bit more canvas all around, especially on the right, would be best. Problem was this is not cropped, a full size image taken too close. Shooting from my car window, I did put more distance between us for the extra canvas but I like this pose.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

I've enjoyed your posts of bitterns, Craig. This one is in a good (and classic) pose and I really like the sharpness. A little more room all around would be nice but sometimes with birds you get what you get, especially when you're shooting with a prime.

That's a great pose. Nice and sharp, too. I agree with the tightness of the crop being a little of a drawback but not a deal breaker. I am not familiar with these birds, but there seems to be a greenish cast to the image. Its hard to tell, not knowing the birds true colors, but that is my perception.

A little tight for me also but nicely done otherwise. It makes me wonder what else is out there i dont see. I am always looking up for eagles and hawks, gonna have to keep my eye down more. :)

Here is a repost with more canvas added on the right side. I agree with the suggestions that added space does look better. Aaron mentioned a "green cast" to the image, that I don't see (although green is not always seen correctly with my color blindness. I do see a greenish cast on the bittern's otherwise yellow legs, which is normal for the specie.
Thanks for the suggestions, if interested, another view of the same bird is at

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=113923

Craig, never mind my comment about the green cast. I just did a quick google image search for american bitterns, and they are all very similar in color to the one in your shot. My bad! It's really a strange color though. It kinda threw me off.

The repost is better, Craig, but I really do like the one you posted in the main galleries!

What an amazing shot, Craig! Wow, these birds are so hard to spot. The look of such focus and determination and stealth in the posture and expression of the bittern makes it feel very threatening. Thus, a powerful image and great presentation. The investment of time to extend the canvas really paid off. In addition, I'd consider making the oof light spot in the ulc vegetation disappear. Really a dramatic shot. Bet it would go well over in Avian! Many kudos.

I love the pose in this one, and the reflection in the other. Amazing for this time of year.