Hidden Defense

Gallery: AvianPosted February 28, 201089 views9 comments

The American Bittern is a favorite bird of mine. One attribute I admire is the camouflaged plumage these birds have and how well it serves as their main defense against predators. I think this image is a good example and wonder how many of us could easily walk by this bittern at 10 feet and never be aware of his presence.

Larger image available

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L USM
F/11 1/90 ISO 250
auto window beanbag rest

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 28, 2010 at 8:46 AM

ha! no wonder I've never seen one! I love how the bill is even lined up with a reed--that's some serious camo (bet he could get some great bird photos). you don't mention whether this is a crop or not, if you have the room I might take a little off the left and add some on the right. I think the bird could use a little more sharpening too. What a wonderful shot of a bittern in it's world.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on February 28, 2010 at 11:04 AM

Craig:
Doesn't this go in Earth, Sea, and Sky? Avian post should include an image of a bird.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on February 28, 2010 at 12:56 PM

Very nice shot. He certainly blends in well.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on February 28, 2010 at 2:02 PM

I like this image a lot, Craig. I think you wanted to test our glance.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 28, 2010 at 5:47 PM

Craig,

Wonderful image showing just how well this species can blend right into their habitat.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on February 28, 2010 at 5:58 PM

My favorite Bittern shot of yours so far - the camo is sweet here and the comp is perfect. I really like how the beak goes in line with the reed

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on February 28, 2010 at 9:33 PM

Very nice, thanks for sharing. I like the comp as you have it.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 28, 2010 at 9:33 PM

Nice. this shows off the bird's ability to blend with its surroundings.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on March 1, 2010 at 5:34 AM

Typically cryptic shot Craig - well done

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments