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Virginia Rail
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Virginia Rail

by Ken Archer

Gallery: AvianPosted August 28, 2013290 views14 comments
Another photo from our visit to Malheur NWR this spring. This is the same area we photographed the sora I posted a few weeks ago. Although the sora was a bit smaller, he certainly stood his ground when the rail came too close.

Canon MKIV, 600mm, 1/2000, f8, ISO 800, manual mode with spot meter, full frame

All your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Comments

14 comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on August 28, 2013 at 8:47 PM
Ken, This is really nice. Your larger version is just wonderful and full of beautiful colors and detail. I suppose a bit more room below the reflection would be nice but it's all there so works wonderfully as is. Like this alot. Excellent work.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Marsh on August 28, 2013 at 9:13 PM
Excellent image Ken. I like the the lighting, reflection, and the ripples in the water. If you have it, a little more room at the bottom would be good. Thanks for sharing.

Bill Marsh
Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments
Comment posted by Butch Lama on August 28, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Beautiful shot in nice lighting condition. Love the reflection and ripple in the water too.
Registered on July 23, 2010, 42 Posts, 316 Comments
Comment posted by Mike Ramy on August 28, 2013 at 11:18 PM
Sweet . . .
Ken this caught my eye as the small post and when I opened it, oh boy, great color and detail and environment, the water is outstanding in all respects. The way I've been looking at my crops lately is from a marketing point of view, i. e.; Will the crop work well when the Image is Framed. With this philosophy in mind, this image, as presented, is too tight at the bottom as mentioned.
Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments
Comment posted by Keith Bauer on August 29, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Beautiful image of the Rail. Reflection is an added bonus. Feels very tight in the frame. I'd also look at the reed on the right edge as it draws the viewer away from the bird.
Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments
Comment posted by Roger Leekam on August 30, 2013 at 6:53 AM
Great shot of this elusive bird, Ken. I got one with you in Malheur last year as you may remember, but he was partially in the reeds. Habitat is beautifully captured in this one & i love the reflection.
Registered on May 28, 2009, 83 Posts, 646 Comments
Comment posted by Basri Akcasoy on September 2, 2013 at 3:07 AM
Nice shot with sharp details and reflection. TFS.
Registered on February 16, 2012, 118 Posts, 767 Comments
Comment posted by Martin Dunn on September 2, 2013 at 4:32 AM
Great capture Ken. Lovely rich colours. A tad more space at the bottom and the reflection would have been complete.
Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments
Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on September 2, 2013 at 8:41 AM
Beautiful image of this rail! Mike makes a good point about future framing, but you said this is full frame.... I also agree about the reed on the right side. All that said, I'd be thrilled to have taken this. I tried cropping this (in my mind) just to the bottom of the bill and getting rid of that reed. It looks good that way, too, but I'm not sure about having room for the "virtual" feet. Sharon
Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Archer on September 2, 2013 at 2:16 PM
Thanks for your comments on this photo everyone. I am going to put this one on the list to try to add canvas on the bottom sometime in the future.
Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on September 3, 2013 at 10:03 PM
I hate it when the rail comes out in the open in great light too close to me :biggrin: :eek: Sweet lighting and detail Ken, I was going to suggest adding some canvas to the bottom. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on September 4, 2013 at 7:21 PM
Great image, Ken! Awesome detail in the feathers. I love the inclusion of the reflection. Congrats on the weekly pick!
Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on September 4, 2013 at 10:30 PM
Excellent to catch this one in the open -
congrats on the fine WP!
Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Ray Whitt on September 5, 2013 at 8:04 AM
Colors and feather detail are wonderful, love the reflection. Congratulations!

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