Within Striking Distance

Shot at Ridgefield last week. Bird photographers are sometimes amazed, but thankful, at how cooperative the heron's like this Great Blue can be. They just go about their business not caring how long it takes to setup a shot or how many you take. A larger detail version in Avian at http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=139694&CGISESSID=cf5b3c6d6d8942d39d809c8ecb5a8373&u=19365

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L
F/6.7 @ 1/2000 ISO 500
auto beanbag rest

Awesome closeup, Craig. I edited your post to create a link to the image in the Avian Forum...

This shot has emotion as well as a wonderful composition. A very strong, tense moment. A real keeper of a shot.

David, "Thanks" for the URL help with the link, and comments

craig, Great colors and lines, and great feather detail.

Craig, there is a lot of detail and I can feel the tension before the strike. Very cool. I have nothing constructive to say about it, it's a winner.

They are so intensely focused on their hunting, when they're at it, and it shows well here, Craig. Wow, 600mm. What a monster lens! But this is a great close-up, for sure.

Looks good to me too Craig, love the tension as Ryan noted.

That fella looks like he's spring-loaded, and ready to take a jab at the next little fishy that swims by!

This is nice and sharp. Love the composition too. Much more interesting than a full body shot, IMO.

Pretty much excellent!