Resplendent Quetzal

One of the highlights of my recent photo tours in Costa Rica was the time we spent at Savegre in the central highlands. The main attraction is the resplendent quetzal, and I timed the tours to visit there around the start of the nesting season, when we'd have a better chance of seeing some activity.

We were fortunate to see five or six quetzals on both tours, including two of the mature males that sport the species' signature tail feathers.

The challenge, of course, is trying to catch them on a perch with a clear view of the bird, including that amazing tail. Usually, they're partially hidden behind branches or a blanket of mosses and lichens, or they're perched really high up.

For this shot, I had to crouch down on the ground to ensure there were no impediments. It's not a "traditional" view of this species, but I'm fond of the way the long shape of the bird is in full view, and the iridescence of the plumage really shows up nicely.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS
ISO 1600
1/400th
f/4
Hand-held

Max