Fiery-billed Aracari

[Jim Crosswell]

This was taken in Costa Rica in February. The Aracari was searching tree cavities for chicks of other birds. A Wood Creepers nest was missed on this round. All C&Cs are welcome and appreciated.

Canon 1D MK IV
500L f4
1.4 Extender
ISO 1600
1/100s
f6.3
Tripod

[Bill Dix]

Great looking bird. I'd really like to see him some day. I really like the way the head and bill are into the green bg. I might consider a heavier dose of NR on the green to smooth it out a little. Light is lovely, and the tree trunk has some interest. The diagonal vine is a bit of a distraction, but it is what it is. All in all, a very handsome and colorful image.

[keith mitchell]

Jim that is a fantastic looking bird that really pops out of your image, don't think I can add to Bills comment,it's a great looking image that I like a lot.

Keith.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice clean shot of this cool looking bird, Jim.

[Arthur Morris]

STUNNING bird and image. I love the upper right thirds image design and that face. Even the perch tree and the vine rock. SH & BKGR killer good.

I am a bit confused by your missed woodcreeper nest comment....

[Jim Crosswell]

STUNNING bird and image. I love the upper right thirds image design and that face. Even the perch tree and the vine rock. SH & BKGR killer good.

I am a bit confused by your missed woodcreeper nest comment....

Thanks Bill, Karl and Arthur,

Higher up on the top of this dead tree was a nest of a Woodcreeper. The Woodcreeper left the nest before the Aracari came to the dead tree. The Aracari poked his head into holes and crevices and did not detect the nest. I have an image with the Woodcreeper parent backing into the crevice where the nest was located after the Aracari left. I will post the image showing the Woodcreeper soon. Hope this makes the scenario clearer.

[David Salem]

Wow Jim, that's a killer frame! The head leaning into that smooth green BG really makes it pop. The colors, exposure and detail look great also. Very nice.

[christopher galeski]

its all been said Jim,beautiful image,well done.

[Bradley James]

Great composition. Its an overall stunning image

[Richard Flack]

Stunning image Jim. Super bird, super pose and awesome colours, TFS

[Satish Ranadive]

Fantastic image of beautiful bird with lovely colors, nice green BG and comp.

Regards,
Satish.

[Terry Johnson]

Jim, a beautiful bird and great position. Are there photographic tours to Costa Rica that focus on bird photography only? If so, can you recommend one or two?

Thanks...Terry Johnson

[Holger Leyrer]

All I can do is echo the above comments. A really wonderful image.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Very nice one indeed! Jim this is one of those species that still don't want to cooperate with me Really nice light, smooth BG and thanks for the ''behind the scenes'' comment regarding the woodcreeper nest.

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions.