Lilac-breasted Roller

Gallery: AvianPosted September 10, 2013321 views15 comments

Here's a shot from the Chobe,Botswana portion of our recent trip to Africa. We were on our way to an underground blind to photograph elephants and other animals when I spotted this roller as our safari vehicle rolled down the hill. I said "stop, stop, stop, stop" or something like that. This roller was perched alongside the dirt road on a nice perch. We took some images of it and then I whistled at which point it gave us this head turn.

Canon 5D3 500F4 1.4x 1/1250 F8, iso 1000

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on September 10, 2013 at 11:08 PM

I'm always amazed at the coloration of the plumage of this bird. A coat of many colors for sure. Nicely done, Nate. Nice pose, good perch, neat BG, and lots of detail and vibrant colors. A keeper.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on September 10, 2013 at 11:59 PM

I guess he got "stop" because this is a pretty sweet. Might hope for a little bit more exciting perch but its curvature and non-obtrusive color suits the setting and bird. Well done.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on September 11, 2013 at 12:12 AM

Terrific capture Nate. The varied colors of the bird standout beautifully against the muted background. Nice detail as well.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on September 11, 2013 at 3:33 AM

Wonderful colours Nate.
The background works well and I like the symmetry of the perch and the bird's tail.
One of Africa's most photogenic birds for sure.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on September 11, 2013 at 6:13 AM

One can only envy you with this wonderful colored species - shot nice executed as well

, cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on September 11, 2013 at 6:50 PM

Awesome bird, captured beautifully Nate. Sweet pose and that plumage color is amazing. I have heard you say some strange things when you get excited, what ever you said, it worked out perfectly.

Great Shot!!!

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on September 11, 2013 at 7:39 PM

Wonderful image and head turn, Nate. Look forward to more from your trip.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Greg Oakley on September 11, 2013 at 7:45 PM

Superb image Nate - excellent sharpness, details and pose

Registered on June 12, 2012, 115 Posts, 266 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on September 11, 2013 at 8:07 PM

A big WOWZA from me! Beautifully done! Sharon

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on September 12, 2013 at 5:34 AM

Classic roller shot Nate - well done

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on September 12, 2013 at 6:39 PM

Most accommodating subject, Nate. When I whistle they either ignore me or leave! Beautiful image with superb detail and bg.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by John Jeevaratnam on September 12, 2013 at 10:55 PM

Beautiful shot Nate. I like the composition and the pose. If anything I would suggest increasing the contrast or the vibrancy. The bird seems to be having a good time posing for the public.

Has been along time since I went on safari in Chobe, Botswana, back then I was not in to photography...only graphic arts. Perhaps one day when I am at your level of proficiency I will have to do another visit.

Registered on July 29, 2013, 112 Posts, 229 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Theodore on September 13, 2013 at 4:33 PM

Beautiful bird and beautiful image. Nice job Nate!!

Registered on May 7, 2008, 18 Posts, 54 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on September 14, 2013 at 11:53 AM

Lovely image Nate. If really like the composition, the background and, of course, the head turn.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on September 15, 2013 at 10:16 AM

Love the colors and the details are excellent, nice composition a beautiful shot Nate.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments