Persistance pays off...

[zackiedawg]

There are some photos you keep trying to get, or some subjects which are elusive, and you keep trying over and over. ; First, you can't get a shot. ; Then you get one, but it's not very good. ; Then you get a better one. ; Then a pretty good one, and you're pretty proud of it. ; But you don't give up and keep trying, and finally one day, the subject is there, the distance is perfect, the light is nice, you've got the time and you're in the right place, and you finally get some worthy shots of the subject that allow you to effectively put a checkmark in that box - job done! ; You will still shoot it again if it comes up, but you no longer have that hankering to just get one a little bit better.

That happened with me this weekend, when the elusive least bittern appeared with all the planets aligning and conditions coming together - good light, good poses, plenty of time, nice and close:

 

[PolynesianMedic]

Nicely done indeed sir!

 

[HW]

I can relate to everything you said Justin. that bittern is on my bucket list now since one was seen at forsythe a few weeks and I felt the same looking for that green heron which are rare here.
the heron wasn't in good light though but I had to make do with what I had as I wasn't going to miss that shot. next is a good shot of a bald eagle but that is months off as they are gone from here now

 

[jbwolffiv]

Real nice Justin! ; Love the first one!

 

[zackiedawg]

Many thanks all. ; Howie, as a birder I know you've got many like that yourself, as do I. ; There's the list of birds you've never photographed, which is one thing...then there's that list of ones you've documented, but want a much better shot. ; I always take an opportunistic shot of a first sighting bird, even if it's a horrible shot - just to capture it and prove I saw it. ; Then, I'll always be thinking of trying to get a better one someday!