Egret and reeds

[loose cannon]

In colour the background was distracting. I think the b&w treatment highlights the Egret

[P Plates]

And that long thin neck. Think I would have preferred more of the bird in the shot.

[loose cannon]

Cheers Gabby.

Got very close by hiding in the reeds and waiting for the egret to turn up so this is pretty much full frame.

The reeds were right in front of my camp site and I could see the egret working its way along the bank so I snuggled myself into the reeds and only had to wait about five minutes. Then a 5 metre walk back to camp for a cuppa!

It's nice when bird photography is easy.

[P Plates]

That is close and yep wish it was always that easy. Birds must rely on movement and noise for defence (no sense of smell) as I've noticed, even in the open, if you sit for long enough they'll come quite close.

[Alan]

I like the minimalism Mick and B&W suits for sure. How does it look flipped so the bird faces right?

[loose cannon]

Sorry about the delay getting back to this thread.

Flipped as suggested by Alan.

Not sure which I prefer to be honest

[Ironwood]

Me, I like the first one. Could be cause I am right handed

[seaslug]

Not often you can get that close to an Egret..well done.

For me the image works better in even closer. The excess background really doesn't do much for the shot and by cropping I think it improves the balance and really highlights what you've captured there in the head of the bird.

[loose cannon]

Thanks for that Greg.

Getting in close means that a sizable crop is possible and we don't get that option too often with birds.

I like the tighter (and square) crop.

[millicat]

I do liked the flipped version but prefer the landscapey look of it ... something about it just sits better with me. Very lucky to get that close and do like the b&w as the white stands out more like you said.

[Alan]

Thanks for trying the flip Mick. I think I prefer it too.

Haven't seen you around for awhile. Hope you had a relaxing Xmas.

Cheers