Roseate Spoonbill

[Joseph Przybyla]

I captured this image last Wednesday at Circle B Bar Reserve. This is not the classic side on image but I like it because it shows parts of the plumage not normally seen. I would imaging that trying to preen and groom feathers with this bill would be akin to tying your shoes with mittens on. Birds take great care to keep their feathers in top shape. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.


Nikon D7000
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 400mm (600mm FFE)
1/2000 F/5.6 Matrix Metering - 2/3 EV ISO 200 AWB
Post processed in Lightroom 6 and Photoshop Elements 10
Cropped for composition

[Sharon Hallowell]

The unconventional pose works wonderfully here. Nice comp and colors. I liked your "akin to" comment! It pays to be fastidious when you're a bird! Sharon

[Grace Scalzo]

I like what you are portraying here, the preening with that wonderful, odd bill. Even so, I would like a bit looser composition, top and bottom. Steel-grey background is perfect against the pink.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Thank you Sharon and Grace for viewing, commenting and offering suggestions. Here is a version with the looser crop as you suggested Grace. Thanks again both, I appreciated your comments.

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely, shining colors here, Joe. I prefer the RP. I am really impressed by the details of this image.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice preening pose, excellent details captured, Joe. I like the original crop better.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like the preening pose too, and I really like the symmetry of the head angle with both eyes showing equally (almost!). Super colours.

[Lorant Voros]

Beautiful colors and feather detail. Very nice image. I go for the OP.

[Ramon Reyes]

Superb details on this Spoonie Joe. Repost looks better.

Ramon

[Joseph Przybyla]

Thanks everyone for viewing. commenting, and offering suggestions. I appreciated your time and interest very much.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I like the loose crop too.
Lovely details and colours.
Well done getting this!