Bathtime

These birds come to the hide constantly, usually to eat, sometimes to drink, and occasionally to bathe. I even have shots of one sunbathing. The explosive movement in this really appeals to me, but I must admit I didn't plan the shot, I was fortunate enough to be there when it happened. Pretty much like most of my shots really - I just enjoy being there and sometimes I get lucky.

C&C very welcome


Nikon D300 with Nikon 80-400/F4-5.6 at F8. 1/250 sec, ISO 400, EX -0.67.

Hi Mike
I've done a lot of these and it ceratinly is a great encounter seeing it close up !
I'm surprised the 250th hasn't arrested the movement a bit more but then most of my pool jays have been done in between splashing sessions.The whites are blown but certainly a great feeling of movement but maybe a tad too much. I feel that even with movement you need something a bit sharp -purely too emphasise the other bits moving( If that makes sense ? )
Just my opinion.
Cheers
John

It is a shame about the small blown areas because they do draw the eye a bit, but in a shot like this detail is a bit wasted anyway, so the fact that they are white is good enough. This really is a shot of what you saw at the time and I rather like it. The blue feathers stand out especially well and that helps it a lot. Nice one.
Eric

Hi Mike,

I really like this. The mixture of colour is really appealing and the blue wing bars just add a little adrenaline to the rush of activity. If you could get one where the bird was facing you that would be the cheery on the top.

Chris