Giant Kingfisher - Male

[Stu Bowie]

I havent posted a kingfisher for ages, mainly because the location I normally visit has been dry. However over the past two weeks it is now flooded, so hopefully I can return soon. This image was captured in the Kruger National Park last august. I was very disappointed on this visit as the weather was really overcast and raining, and in all five days, I didnt see the sun. Going by my settings, it tells the story. The BG is distant foliage on the opposite side of the water.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 200-400 with 1.4 TC engaged = 560mm ( rented )
1/100
F/5.6
ISO 800

Exp comp +0.33
hand held from a hide.

[Eric Dienesch]

Hello,

such an picture makes me a little bit jealous. i have never seen this species, so never take a picture from it.
So thx for sharing this great picture, i like it very much !!

Greetings Eric

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Beautifully captured image and personality of this character, Stuart. Very interesting plumage and I like the perch and BG. Though it was overcast and raining, what gorgeous light.



Geoffrey

[Frank Schauf]

Great pose, detail and BG, Stuart.

[gail bisson]

I absolutely love this image Stuart.
The perch with the wavy wood grain is sooo nice.
The BG is gorgeous and the bird perfectly posed.
The light looks great even though you say it wasn't.
Well done and no nits from me,
Gail

[Iain Barker]

Hi Stuart, I can believe how sharp this is at 1/100. Stunning image. I think a vertical crop would also work.

Iain

[BenBotha]

Stunning photo, sharp, soft light, nice perch and back ground smooth. The 200-400 looks like a mean machine.
Ben

[Mike Poole]

The overcast light has given you the opportunity to bring out feather detail across the range of colours, and you've clearly taken full advantage. Technically I'm not sure this shot could be improved upon. Cropping wise, I could be tempted to lose just a small amount off the left hand side, but apart from that it really is an excellent shot

[Missy Mandel]

Stuart, this is stunning. Gail has said everything I would have :)

[douglas hayes]

The knarly perch is terrific and what a stunning bird-well done!

[Ashleigh Scully]

I think this is just perfect. What an amazing bokeh and the pose is so great! Awesome colors.

[Grace Scalzo]

Beautiful in every way, Stuart. No suggestions at all, other than to be real proud of this work!

[Karl Egressy]

Can you have that 200-400 rent to own, Stuart? Looks like it is a superb lens. Excellent IQ nice pose, perch and the background is to die for.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Superb IQ. Lovely BG. Perfect perch size and placement. Terrific hairdo. Another excellent KF image Stu.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

So nice KF!
Love the sharp eye, pose and clean BG. So glad your area is getting busy with these fine birds again.

[Enrique Patino]

What a beautiful bird. The presentation is very impressive. Great techs!

[Satish Ranadive]

Stuart Sir, this is gorgeous. Every thing is just perfect.Love the feather details and crest.

Regards,
Satish.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for all the kind words everyone. Always appreciated.

[Rob Melone]

Amazing shot Stuart with the chest detail, head turn, lovely perch and complimentary bg. A winner!

[Holger Leyrer]

Stunning image Stuart. Perfect for me

[Troy Lim]

Stuart, I love the shot. Handholding and getting this type of image at 1/100 is awesome. Congrats.
What did you think of the lens?