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Racket-tailed Roller
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Racket-tailed Roller

by Howard Cheek

Gallery: AvianPosted September 15, 2010161 views8 comments
The Racket-tailed Roller (Coracias spatulatus) is a species of bird in the Coraciidae family. This specimen is missing its "rackets" at tails end. Shot at the San Antonio Zoo. This one was an open air natural aviary that you could walk through and "mingle" with the birds. Had a small stream running through it as well.
F/10, 1/400th, ISO 640 and early afternoon light, No flash.
Canon 1D M3, 300mm f/2.8 lens & monopod for support.
I removed some small distracting twigs about the bird..

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on September 15, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Very cool looking bird Howard. I like the comp. Maybe just a bit on the dark side overall. I might increase the exposure just a bit if this were mine.
Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments
Comment posted by Mauro Pasquero on September 15, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Beautiful bird, Howard. I love his expression! Great perch as well, congratulations :toast:
Mauro
Registered on January 21, 2010, 650 Posts, 2500 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Willison on September 15, 2010 at 1:01 PM
Handsome bird. The tuft on its head really makes it look mean, wheras its colors are awesome. Good comp in a troublesome situation.
Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments
Comment posted by Craig Strand on September 15, 2010 at 2:47 PM
A gorgeous bird and you have captured him extremely well.
Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments
Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on September 15, 2010 at 6:31 PM
What a beautiful bird :smile:
Well captured.

Geoff.
Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments
Comment posted by Angela McCain on September 15, 2010 at 9:53 PM
Cool image. You have captured a mood in this bird. I like the iridescence present in the feathers. Nice BG. Blurring is very pleasant. Just a really good job all around. This was may 1000th comment since joining this website! :jump: I'm happy to have used it on such a good image.
Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments
Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on September 16, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Howard, this is one cool bird!! I have never seen one before. Nice detail and exposure looks fine to my eye. :toast:
Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments
Comment posted by Monica Siri on September 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Howard,
another beautiful bird, never seen before. I especially like the expression you captured here.
Thanks for sharing. :toast: :wavey:
Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments