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Water Rail

Titchfield Haven NNR, Hampshire, UK. 25 September 2010
EOS 50D & 400mmf4DO+x1.4TC. 1/3200 sec f5.6 ISO 800

This is a Birdguides 'Notable Photo'

The hide nearest the road at Titchfield gives reasonably close but elevated views of the main lagoon. After a bit of a wait, this delightful rail appeared and dashed across in front of the hide. First it made it as far as a tiny island, and then emerged on the side where I was waiting. Fortunately, it stopped momentarily in its dash for cover, which allowed me just enough time to get onto it, and focus. I had upped the ISO to 800 to try to stop any movement, which probably helped the overall sharpness.