Crescent-faced Antpitta - Colombia

This shot did really well on my Instagram account today, so I figured I'd share it here.

Known from a only a few sites in the Colombia and Ecuadorian Andes, the Crescent-faced Antpitta is one of the rarest and most reclusive
species in South America. I caught up with this lured bird at an established feeing station outside Manizales in Colombia's Central Andes, but
thick foliage and tough lighting made this more of a challenge than the usual brand of set-ups!

I'm happy with the balance of subject and habitat. I wish for a touch more head turn, but the whistles or snaps I use to get the attention of
other species aren't advisable with subjects this reclusive!

Canon 600mm f/4 IS on EOS 1DX2
1/100 at f/7.1, ISO 2000

Attachment 183284

What a neat little package. Love the overall tone of the shot and the detail on the little fellow. Nice eye too.
I think the head turn is about right given the slight downward POV.
Being an ecologist by trade I like seeing critters absorbed in their environment as this one is, just like you weren't there.

looks nice, the HA may not optimal and the shooting angle is a tad steep too but for a life bird like this I'd take anything. nice that we can see elements from the habitat as well. sharp with good details

TFS

Wish it had glanced up, but very nice look at this guy....
I like the size in the frame.

Beautiful image Dorian! I like the IQ, details, mossy perch, pose and composition. Ground birds in the rain forest are tough to get and this is real nice.

This is superb.
I really like the "shooting down" angle.
IQ on the PITTA rocks. BG shows just enough environment without overwhelming the bird.
No nits from me.
Gail

You did well to capture this image given your description. Lovely rich color and detail under what looks to be pretty decent light. I like the head position and angle of view.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

Sounds like tough shooting conditions all around. Nice view of the bird and i like the moss. You did very well in this situation.

Wow, very nice! I actually like the HA here, as well as the angle looking down towards the subject. Nice and sharp. That one bright twig directly beneath the claw does draw my eye - I know you are not too keen on removing stuff, but there is one to consider:S3:. These guys' tails are shorter than wrens' it seems!!

Interesting image. Never seen/heard the image. Nice to hear the back story.

HA noted, but I like the image quality in the feathers. Bird looks so cute for me.


Thanks for posting the same.