Sunbittern

Gallery: AvianPosted June 6, 2013240 views14 comments

We were fortunate to spot this bittern after hearing reports of it being seen in a remote mountain river in the Caribbean Highlands. I took this shot elevated about 15 feet above the river. I would have loved a slightly more favorable headturn, but was really thrilled to have captured the image.

Tuis, Costa Rica.

D3s
500mm f/4
TC-14E II
1/1250s @ f/6.3
ISO 800
-1/3 EC
HH

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on June 6, 2013 at 8:57 PM

Take it however you can get it, Chuck! A lovely bird and a unique setting. It is great when these reports turn out well, and not one day wonders. How exciting for you!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Bacon on June 6, 2013 at 9:15 PM

Congratulations Chuck on this fine capture, what a great looking bird, especially with that wing stretch. Yeah, a better head turn would have been nice, but we have a good look at the beautiful red eye and the other markings on the head - well done and thanks for sharing.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 56 Posts, 492 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on June 6, 2013 at 9:43 PM

I have never seen this species, but looks to be very colorful. I like the surroundings a lot. Tiny nit for a little more head turn, but hey, sometimes these birds just won't look when we want them to.

Nice image overall.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 6, 2013 at 11:23 PM

The fanned wing is really neat, Charles. Nice composition.

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

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on June 7, 2013 at 3:29 AM

That must have been an exciting moment Chuck. The tail feathers look terrific and the setting is good. To my eye the image does seem to be a lacking a bit of sharpness though which is a shame.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Greg Oakley on June 7, 2013 at 4:01 AM

The headturn would have been great, but it's still a fantastic image of a great species,
Cheers, Greg

Registered on June 12, 2012, 115 Posts, 266 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on June 7, 2013 at 4:04 AM

What an amazing bird - never heard of it... Simply stunning !

, Hans

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

Comment posted by KC Choo on June 7, 2013 at 1:21 PM

It's a magnificent bird and nice to get the wing pattern - you were lucky to have been able to get to 15 feet on the river bank.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on June 7, 2013 at 5:50 PM

The only Sunbitterns I've seen have been booking by at 40 mph. Congratulations on finding one perched, approachable and photographable. Excellent use of the opportunity.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on June 7, 2013 at 6:51 PM

I agree with you regarding the headturn but a species and shot that I would love to get, congrats Chuck

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

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on June 8, 2013 at 4:46 PM

The wingspread makes up for the head turn! Very nice....Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on June 8, 2013 at 5:42 PM

Very beautiful bird and a great setting, lucky you Charles

I especially like the fanned-out wing display

I sure hope I can make it to Costa Rica one day..

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on June 10, 2013 at 2:23 PM

Sweet Image Chuck,
Well Done . . .

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Marlise Launstein on June 10, 2013 at 3:51 PM

Cool colors on the bird! To bad he wasn't looking at you but it still looks really nice.

Registered on August 31, 2011, 28 Posts, 175 Comments