Southern Carmine Bee - Eater

[Stu Bowie]

I very seldom shoot in the afternoons, but one late afternoon in the Kruger Park, I came across these birds flying around feeding on flying insects. This fellow couldn't have chosen a more delicate perch, and its amazing that they don't injure themselves when perching. I like the ruffled feathers from a slight breeze of wind.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 30mm F/2.8mm
1/2500
F/7.1
ISO 640

Hand held from the car.

[David Roach]

Beautiful light on a stunning subject. The thorny perch adds interest and love the BG of distant tree line and lightly clouded sky with those late afternoon colors. Also love the framing with fantastic color everywhere. TFS

[Kurt Bowman]

Really nice colors, I like him being above the horizon and the perch is very cool with the thorns.

[gail bisson]

Happy New Year Stu!
A lovely image of a lovely bird.
I like the ruffled feathers.
I feel you could go a bit brighter.
I like the wispy cloud in the BG,
Gail

[Dorian Anderson]

Nice view of this striking bird, one I hope to see on what I hope will be my inaugural SA trip in December. Perch is slightly elevated but still works. I assume the light spot in front of his face is a distant cloud?

[Jonathan Ashton]

A fine shot Stu gorgeous colours and background too.
I have a tiny reservation - very slight saw tooth effect on the bill.