Broad-billed Motmot

[Jim Crosswell]

I spotted this Motmot while on a horseback ride around Monterrey area in Costa Rica. I was told on this trip that it wasn't just about the birds and was given the choice of either riding horseback and/or ziplining. I chose the horseback ride and packed my 40D and 100-400 just in case there was a bird along the way. When I saw this Motmot perch in a clearing I got off the horse a little too quickly and my foot got stuck in the stirrup. After getting up off the ground I took a series of images. I didn't want to hold the group up too long and hoped one would turn out. The ride was nice, she got to ride the horse fast on the way back while I went with the slower group. I toned down the perch and cloned out a partial leaf that was in the left side of the frame. This was a horizontal cropped to a vertical. All C&Cs are welcome and appreciated.

Canon 40D
100-400L
ISO 640
1/160s
f6.3
Handheld

[Jonathan Ashton]

Lovely pose gorgeous colours and great detail, a very pleasing image.

[Richard Flack]

I really like this Jim and would be proud as punch if it was mine. Stunning bird, beautiful BG, great eye contact and decent enough details. Well done!

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Jim love this !!! Wonderful bird on a nice perch and a very pleasing BKG with lovely colors playing a nice game with the colors in the bird itself .
Nice detail and tones , processing does look very good.

Have you anyhow worked on the perch left to the bird ?

TFS Andreas

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks Jonathan, Richard and Andreas for your comments.
Andreas I just toned down the top of the perch along the whole length of it. There is a couple of spider webs in the fork area on the left and makes the area look a little off. Is this the spot you are referring to? I was thinking of cloning it out but left it in.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Jim , yes i was referring to that , but i think by toning down the perch you went a bit into the BKG , the tones around does look unnatural dark , like a slight halo . I mean it is picky and only an unimportant thing , i just wanted to know if my eyes are still working . So no big deal for me , not even a small issue .
Hope you do not mind my interest

[Jim Crosswell]

Hi Jim , yes i was referring to that , but i think by toning down the perch you went a bit into the BKG , the tones around does look unnatural dark , like a slight halo . I mean it is picky and only an unimportant thing , i just wanted to know if my eyes are still working . So no big deal for me , not even a small issue .
Hope you do not mind my interest

Thanks Andreas for your interest and comments. I don't mind at all and appreciate your input and observations. I will see what I can do to make it better.

[Jim Crosswell]

Hi Jim , yes i was referring to that , but i think by toning down the perch you went a bit into the BKG , the tones around does look unnatural dark , like a slight halo . I mean it is picky and only an unimportant thing , i just wanted to know if my eyes are still working . So no big deal for me , not even a small issue .
Hope you do not mind my interest

Here is a repost addressing the darkened area and the webs. Thanks again.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Thanks Jim almost close to a perfect 10

[Binu John]

Beautiful shot! Excellent composition, colors, exposure and details! Well done and TFS.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

The repost looks pretty good Jim. Very nice pose and interesting BG.

[Ronald Zigler]

A great shot of a beautiful bird.

[David Salem]

I like the re-post Jim. This looks great and I love the techs and colors in this one. Love that tail. Well done

[Arthur Morris]

Beautiful bird and sharp with a perfect EXP. Love those tail plumes. In a perfect world a bit less head turn towards you would have been great. But outstanding as is!

[Satish Ranadive]

All has been said about this spectacular image. Superb look back pose, beautiful colors, details and composition.

Regards,
Satish.

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments and suggestions.