Great Egret Pair

Gallery: AvianPosted March 18, 2012127 views5 comments

I took this image at the rookery located on the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School campus located in downtown Dallas. This was my first visit. The rookery is home to literally thousands of different birds such as egrets, herons, ibis and anhinga. The fact that it is located in downtown Dallas is amazing. The nest building has started early this year due to the unseasonably warm weather.

I took this shot as the male (I think) dropped down on the nesting female. I did not capture part of the right wing, as the action was pretty fast. I focused on the female and then waited for the male to "drop in", so the male is a little soft. Overall, I think it turned out to be a pretty interesting image. Comments and critiques welcome.

Canon 7D
Canon 100-400 mm
f11
1/640 s
ISO 100
Focal Length 400 mm
Exposure Compensation -0.33

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on March 18, 2012 at 3:05 PM

Hi Jerry, interesting and dynamic image, I like it ! Missing part of the in coming bird isn't a problem and adds in some way to the image IMHO. Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Sally Wood on March 18, 2012 at 5:08 PM

Very very nice.... definitely something for me to aspire to.

Registered on March 8, 2012, 39 Posts, 509 Comments

Comment posted by Cristina Strudthof on March 18, 2012 at 5:10 PM

I live just a couple hours NE of Dallas, I may have stop by there some time. Yes the male's face is slightly soft but when I pulled up the large image, it didn't appear that bad. I like the closeness of it so it doesn't bother me that much about the wing being cut off. These birds are truly beautiful.

Registered on January 14, 2011, 53 Posts, 363 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 18, 2012 at 11:56 PM

A good job getting this very difficult shot and not blowing out the whites. Interesting to see the green around the eyes and I like the shadow pattern in the spread out wings of the landing egret.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Dottie Short on May 12, 2012 at 3:28 PM

Nice catch Jerry. This is a tough shot. I shoot at the High Island Rookery and have difficulty getting everything in too. I like it and the wing tips are not a problem for me. Next time wait until the Mr. has a twig/stick in his mouth for the little Mrs. It would add great interest.

Registered on April 12, 2010, 61 Posts, 375 Comments