Black Crowned Crane

2nd visit to add L ! Stunning !

I have had this image in mind and have been trying to achieve it for some time - and here you've DONE it ! Added to favs.

I really admire your patience, this is a deserving shot, wow!

Thanks Sandra. I followed this guy around for quite some time trying to get just the right angle. Finally he turned and looked directly into the lens. "click" (I still wonder what got his attention...maybe I was acting a little seedy?)

Lovely capture and closeup of the crane, Joe. I especially like the head position and how it shows the crown.

Thanks Mike. I employ this technique often especially in wildlife and portrait work to emphasize the subject and give the photo more dimension Thanks for your comment.

Yuri Thanks for your comment. I use a 400mm lens tripod 1.6 extender and patience. A good guide will know how to position you so that wildlife come to you. My field guide Mark Quinn of Adventure Safaris has an extensive knowledge of wildlife and their habits which creates many great photo opportunities. That makes wildlife photography very enjoyable and rewarding.

nice job on exposing the plumage, and the vignette really brings out the subject.

I don't know how you got this close brother, but I commend you. What a magnificent portrait!

Awesome capture, Joe... Those feathers are so beautiful.