Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

I had been observing this specimen for some time preening when I

captured this exposure at the moment immediately after take a sip of

the cool elixir. Taken with the lens wide open and the subject ~30 ft

away I reduced the depth of field in post-process. If I only had a

longer lens or the subject was closer. Alas, thanks for taking the

time to critique this image. All the best, -matthew

beautifully done: great subject, capture and light. 

Wow! this is beautiful...the water droplets really make this stand out from the typical bird shot...wonderful job capturing this just at the right moment...and kudos as well for being in the right position relative to the sun, the rim highlights on ther bird's breast and beak really make it stand out...very nicely composed.

Thanks Christopher and J for your comments. J, the light streamed from the east as the sun broke the dawn from my vantage to the south. The lighting at Big John's Pond in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife refuge lends for many opportunities. Fortunately for me, the subject was facing east. Thanks again for your comments.

What a photo! You managed to get that close to this bird? The background is just so nice. Di you scare the bird when your camera made shutter noice?

Wow!