Red Legged Honey Creeper

Gallery: AvianPosted September 11, 2010126 views7 comments

The Red-legged Honeycreeper is a small, rare bird from the tanager family, typically found in various regions of Central and South America. Captive bird in one the many avian exhibits at the San Antonio Zoo. This particular exhibit was indoor.

The shot gave me fits. With the poor artificial lighting & glass, I ended up with these settings..F/5, 1/30th, ISO 1000

Canon 1D M3, 300mm f/2.8 + 1.4x ext, No flash.
I placed the lens right up against the glass, leaning in over a guard rail that was supposed to keep me back.
Anyway, this is what hell must be like. One of the most beautiful small birds I've had the pleasure to view, but just out of reach..
Photographically speaking of course

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on September 11, 2010 at 8:19 PM

Must have been frustrating for you Howard but I think you did very well given your constraints. It's a beautiful species. I like your exposure overall and you got a nice pose with catch light. I think you were wise to go with a tight crop in this situation.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on September 11, 2010 at 10:49 PM

Certainly a beautiful bird, Howard. It looks great --- surprisingly so given the conditions. I don't see any reflection from the glass, motion blur from the slow ss or even noise from the high ISO.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on September 11, 2010 at 11:36 PM

Very nice shot Howard. If you are ever in Bloomington, IL go to the zoo, the tropical rainforest exhibit has a variety of neotropical birds and no glass/wire. It is a natural light free flight indoor exhibit! One thing, I have found using a flash with this honeycreeper results in a color shift of the blues, just FYI.s Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on September 12, 2010 at 12:50 AM

What a beautiful bird...much healthier looking than I'd expect in a zoo. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on September 12, 2010 at 9:13 AM

This is terrific. Love the detail in the plumage, and the pose and perch are just perfect.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on September 12, 2010 at 10:28 AM

You did very well under some trying circumstances Howard. Love the colors, pose and eye contact

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Pullen on September 12, 2010 at 10:46 AM

Great detail in a beautiful bird. Ron

Registered on December 18, 2005, 74 Posts, 1413 Comments