Black-crowned NightHeron

Richard, a beautiful shot, successfully taken on the edge of exposure and shutter speed. The detail on the bird is exquisite. The feet look a bit soft, but they suffice. An extremely difficult shot to make and you did it very well.

Bg not ideal on this as you pointed out, but the bird is very nice. I like the minnow it's caught and the bird's liquid eye. The light and branches are sort of playing tricks on my eyes and making it look like water is falling down from where the bird stands. Interesting! Nice job on getting this. Sharon

Nicely done considering the difficult approach and slightly distracting BG. For me it's been a challenge to get this species out in the open. Maybe it's just me, but I'd be tempted to darken it slightly and add a bit of contrast.

GLAD YOU DIDNT TAKE A SWIM .
Great shot under the circumstances an I agree a little darker may make the bird pop a little more

I agree a little darker may make the bird pop a little more

Sometimes the bird is not supposed to "pop." This is a secretive species doing what it does best - hiding in a backwater waiting for dinner and not trying to be obvious. If I wanted this subject to "pop" I'd have painted it red in photoshop.

Great detail. The fish is a nice bonus.

So soft and so sharp, wonderful work with the background and with the bird and fish, beautiful foreground water.

Richard, I love you subject and the small fish really makes it for me. Your exposure and sharpness makes the Heron stand out from the back ground. Great job sir.

Skip Harris

Looks good as posted Rich, I especially like the tiny fish-n-beak and details I see with this close framing.
Great work under these conditions & lower end SS settings.

Beautiful Night Heron image, love the watery habitat.

Ray

always good to get this bird with a fish in its mouth. The only thing I'd change is a boost in contrast (not to make the "bird" pop - but because I think the image is a little flat and the tones are washed out (particularly when looking at the legs)

Real interesting to see this image of yours Richard, after just having read (and addressed) your comment on my Running Coua, especially for your response to Bill's remark, where you write, "Sometimes the bird is not supposed to "pop." This is a secretive species doing what it does best - hiding in a backwater waiting for dinner and not trying to be obvious. If I wanted this subject to "pop" I'd have painted it red in photoshop." ;^)

Nevertheless, I like what you've achieved here as far as detail and pose, and the tiny fish is a real bonus interest-wise. By way of personal preference, I find the subject much too tight in the frame; for a reference shot it's brilliant and would make a marvelous addition to any field guide, but as a picture to hang on the wall and appreciate I feel it would look much more appealing with extra space around it, composed nicely, showing more of the water and natural habitat. Though as I say, this is merely a personal opinion based on preference, not a criticism.