Taken last year in the Masai Mara. We went out early in the morning to look for big cats and we came across this great looking bird just sitting on a perch warming itself in the early morning sun. It was quite obliging and i managed to bag a few shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. It wasn't long before more vehicles came to see why we had stopped for so long but when they saw it was 'just a bird' they weren't impressed.
Anyway, I know these are common place in the region but I was impressed with the colours of the little bird and the encounter, I hope you share the enthusiasm.
This is superb Brett. I was awe struck when I first saw one of these in Zambia and you've captured it beautifully. Background is excellent too. Perhaps a little oversharpened? (white line underside of bill and perch)
Posted by Ian Andrews on July 20, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Nice one Brett. Agree that there's a tad of over-sharpening but otherwise nicely done and presented.
Ian
Posted by eric weight on July 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Excellent image Brett. Whose loss was it that they weren't interested? Not yours or ours that's for sure. Eric
Posted by Elliott Neep on July 20, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Hi Brett - I can totally understand your bemusement. In Sept '07 I shared a jeep with a couple of photogs on the Mara and they weren't at all interested in these. I couldn't understand it. They are brilliantly colourful and usually very obliging, hunting from and returning to a favourite perch. The beautiful light here makes for an exquisite portrait. Good for you for making the most of it
Excellent shot (despite the oversharpening) these are such stunning birds; I would, (and indeed have done in the past) stop to photograph every single one.
Hi Folks, Thanks for your comments very constructive.
John, I'm not sure why if you've managed to see my others..? Try opening again and refresh or even try refreshing your UKNP link completely. That may help. I can send you the link if you like..?
Discussion
14 repliesAnyway, I know these are common place in the region but I was impressed with the colours of the little bird and the encounter, I hope you share the enthusiasm.
Kind regards,
Brett
Canon 30D, Sigma 50-500mm (at 500mm), F8 @ 1/50.
This is a wonderful shot. I have seen lots of these in the Gambia and South Africa.
Ian Hardy
Ian
Matt
For some reason I can't open this picture . Any ideas ? Admin??
Cheers
JohnR
John, I'm not sure why if you've managed to see my others..? Try opening again and refresh or even try refreshing your UKNP link completely. That may help. I can send you the link if you like..?
Brett.
I know ! Its strange
Send me the link.
e mail
johnrob1@freenetname.co.uk
Cheers
John
Got the e mail. great little bird indeed.
Cheers
JR
David