Bittern in flight

Gallery: AvianPosted February 21, 2013185 views11 comments

Near my home in London is the London Wetland Centre, run by WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust). It comprises a large lake with islands on, an area of shallower water with more shingle islands, a large marsh, and a reedbed. The latter means that every winter we have about 4 Bitterns overwintering. The number can be as high as 7 when it is cold and more come in. I spend most of my photography time during the winter trying to photograph these as I find it completely addictive. Being such secretive birds, the feeling when I get a good shot is fantastic!

Anyway, before they head off back to Europe in a few weeks, they tend to become more active, and this is often a good time to get photographs. Here's a photo of one taken at the weekend.

Techs:
Nikon D300s
Nikon 600mm f4 AFS-II
Nikon 1.4x TC
F8
1/800s
ISO 500

90% full frame

All C&C welcome, and please view large.

Thanks for looking,

Oscar

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on February 21, 2013 at 5:15 PM

This is a wonderful capture. Bitterns flight shots are rare. This is really good.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Verdon on February 21, 2013 at 5:43 PM

wow, excellent work my friend, tuck sharp and overall quality is more than outstanding, way to go!!!

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on February 21, 2013 at 5:58 PM

Gorgeous shot with sharp details and lovely warm colors. Can find no nits.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on February 21, 2013 at 6:56 PM

Excellent work, detail is amazing. Love the colors.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 21, 2013 at 11:17 PM

Beautiful light and excellent detail, Oscar.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 22, 2013 at 12:27 AM

It is hard enough to find a Bittern but to get a flight shot of one is outstanding. The larger image has nice detail and complimentary background color. Excellent shot, way to go.

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

Comment posted by Don Westbrook on February 22, 2013 at 6:13 AM

Well captured and presented. Great detail.

Registered on January 4, 2013, 11 Posts, 332 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 22, 2013 at 9:17 AM

Super shot Oscar, great to get a bittern in flight and the lighting and bg are spectacular

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by James Allen on February 22, 2013 at 9:48 AM

I like how you've preserved the movement in the wings while freezing the body. Beautiful shot!

Registered on December 10, 2012, 14 Posts, 232 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on February 23, 2013 at 1:42 PM

Great flight shot you have here. Most of the time they fly away from the photographer