Blue-Crowned Motmot

Gallery: AvianPosted March 7, 201464 views5 comments

A find from my recent Costa Rica tour, in the heart of Corcovado National Park. You'll notice the long tail rackets have broken off. This is a common occurrence during the nesting season, since these birds nest in the ground.

I shot a quick series of photos without flash, but the bird moved before I could try some with fill. It would have brought out more of the colors in the plumage, but I think I'd prefer the way the bird is partially hidden in shadow here.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS
ISO 1600
1/800th
f/5

Max

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on March 7, 2014 at 12:34 PM

Nice light on this one, Max, and I like the raised head.

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

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 7, 2014 at 1:35 PM

The pose with the upraised head is nice. The detail looks good, but a larger version would help. The directed lighting on the face definitely brings you into the eye, but I would love to see more of the colorful detail in the body.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on March 7, 2014 at 2:14 PM

Always difficult circumstances in dense forest, but you did a great job ! I love the catchlight in the eye

, Hans

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

Comment posted by William Bickle on March 7, 2014 at 4:37 PM

Cheers Max

Beautiful and crisp details in the head area. Lighting is excellent. Would have enjoyed a Larger version too to show off your excellent capture!:)

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on March 8, 2014 at 12:54 PM

Nice that you were able to isolate the Motmot here Max, they usually don't afford you that opportunity. I think you've got just enough light on the bird, particularly the eye, to carry the shot- but fill would have no doubt shown greater colors.

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