Grungy Swamphen for Theme

[Paul Lagasi]

I recently returned from a 42 hour blitz of Miami-Dade and picked up a number of life birds, this included 6 hours of flight time .

I visited the Dolphin Mall with Angel and Mariel who are just starting their guiding service in the area. They will take birders and photographers alike and they know where the birds are. You can check out there site at: www.natureisawesometours.com If your ever in the area look them up, they know where the birds are.

The water's, near the mall have a high concentration of Purple Swamphen's. These birds escaped during one of the last few hurricanes and are now breeding and multiplying.
I added a Topaz Grunge Effect to the image and cloned a few of the spots I didn't like out.

I have posted all my photos on my blog below. 3 more to hit 700 ABA species.
Ciao for now.

[gary ellwein]

Paul, this is one colorful bird. I would imagine a clear image without obscuring vegetation is rare. Great capture with the grunge giving extra punch.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Paul, I've been following your quest for the magic 700 and I'm eagerly anticipating the good news! These are really cool birds, nice subjects for a grunge treatment. Well done!

[Cheryl Slechta]

Paul, I need to get caught up on your blog. Good luck!!!! on the 700 quest. I like the grunge treatment on the moorhen - I like them - I think they're rather comical creatures

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Paul,

Greetings. Interesting, colorful subject. Tough clones but I would consider taking out the continuations in foliage on the beak and tail. Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Paul Lagasi]

Thanks Michael, I never did like those grasses near tail. The grass on the tail and around birds neck was easy, but the grass in its mouth is food the adult was bringing to their chicks on shore and needs to be there....if I have the right grasses...

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Great colours and processing, love the raised foot. I think the grass Michael was referring to was the dead one coming out of the tail?

[Anita Bower]

A beautifully colored bird. REmoving the two grass blades made the image even better--cleaner. I see Jackie's point. Nice pose. It doesn't look very grungy to me, but then, I'm not sure what I'm looking for.