Red and Yellow Barbet

[Ian Wilson]

One of the large ground-dwelling barbets found in the drier parts of Tanzania and Kenya. Often found on termite mounds, this one was feeding on ants at the base of an ant-hill. Captured in Tarangire NP, Tanzania, 6 April 2015.

Canon 5DIII + 600 mm f/4 II + 1.4x III extender, hand-held from vehicle.
Manual, spot metering, spot AF, f/7.1, 1/500 sec, ISO 1250.
Processed with DPP4 and PS Elements.

Thanks for looking, critical feedback welcome and appreciated.
Regards, Ian.

[Randy Stout]

Ian:

Colorful bird, nice head angle, prey item, good catchlight, well exposed.

Impressive job handholding that rig at that shutter speed.

The very nature of his habitat makes getting a clean shot a challenge. The biggest visual impact for me comes from the stalks above head and just in front, somewhat distracting from the bird.

Do they every pop up to the top of the termite or ant hills so you can get a clean shot?

Cheers

Randy

[Ian Wilson]

Ian:

Do they every pop up to the top of the termite or ant hills so you can get a clean shot?

Cheers

Randy

Thanks Randy. They certainly do pop up to the top of termite mounds where one can get a clean shot and I have some but I chose this one because it is the only one I have showing a typical food item and something of the ground environment. Kind regards, Ian.

[gail bisson]

I like the HA and the bug but must admit the grasses are very distracting.
Nice diffuse light really gave you a great exposure on the yellows and reds.
Looking forward to your "cleaner" images!
Gail

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ian, good HA from the Barbet showing off his meal. Even though the surrounding grasses are there, you still managed to capture an open shot.

This species is very similar to our Crested Barbet.

[Karen Pleasant]

The bird and meal are well exposed and in focus. The HA is pleasing. Yes, the grasses are somewhat distracting, but as an environmental image, I like it. I applaud your abilities to HH such a set up! Nice work.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Ian lovely bird . You managed to get him quite close and the bug is a nice bonus .
Like the overall color palette and the tones do look very nice too, just the busy BG and FG is not that ideal .... but hey the bird has chosen the busy ground , so not much you do .
Enjoyed viewing

TFS Andreas

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very busy setting, but shows where it likes to feed. Good head turn and bonus meal. I too look forward to the "clean" ones, but appreciate the habitat context of this image.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Ian that is just about the nicest barbet I have seen - such colours and a fine angle too. The background is busy but the bird still stands out - I like it.