on this evening boat trip we had already seen a number of new and rare birds. two night-herons and a little bittern. so it would have been successful even if we hadn’t seen this guy. and we wouldn’t have had a chance without the guide. it took me 30 seconds to find it even after he pointed it out.

he pointed the boat at it, turned off the motor, and we coasted to within a few feet before it took off. i managed to not spend too much time composing and got it as it turned its head, just before it left.

one of my favorite bird shots.