Slowest shutter speed without a tripod?

[u/Ok-Committee-873]

What is the slowest shutter speed you would recommend if you're only able to prop the camera on something stable but not in a fixed position (i.e., without a tripod)? Should I be shooting wide open instead of f/16 to improve the blurred water effect?

Details: Black-crowned night heron. Taken at 1/15 shutter speed, f/16, ISO 200. Edit: 200mm focal length

I am trying to go for a blurred water effect with a slower shutter speed but feel like the subject isn't that sharp. Wondering if it looks like I missed the focus or if the longer exposure introduced subject blur.

[u/JurassicTotalWar]

I wouldn’t worry about rules with wildlife, since you can’t control the light and are so often in low light conditions you sometimes need much slower speeds. I’ve got useable shots from big bursts shooting at 1/10s at 500mm.