Southern Ground Hornbill

[Steve Kaluski]

Still envious of Mr Bowie's close-up of this rather 'pre-historical' bird, as they are oh so skittish. Foraging on the ground in small numbers these guys tend to keep a healthy distance, irrespective of how you approach them.

Steve

Subject: Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) foraging in tall grass late morning
Location: Botswana
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 500mm MKII with 1.4x MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/2000s at f/5.6 ISO500
Original format: Landscape, very small crop for presentation
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2017

[Isaac Grant]

I was only in Africa once and when I saw this species it walked right up to us. Wish I had a camera back then but did take a video of it that still exists in a box in my attic (I think!) I like the details on the bird and the environment. Head angle is not ideal as it is facing away. I would be tempted to clone out the one stalk of grass protruding up onto the leg of the bird. Also the shot seems a little flat to me. Not getting the deep iridescent feel from the blacks of the bird.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Steve, very well exposed on this fellow, and I can certainly see the iridescence on the near wing. Overall, nice and sharp, and I like how most of the Ground Hornbill is posed against the OOF BG. Comp wise, I would maybe take a touch off the bottom. No worries about not capturing a decent HA, these guys are always on the move, always walking away from you, and never looking towards the lens.

[William Dickson]

Very natural looking image Steve. I like how the FG blends in with the BG. Nice soft feather detail on the bird, nice control of the blacks. Great POV

Will

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks guys.

Head angle is not ideal as it is facing away.

Issac very minimal and certain in my book not an issue

Also the shot seems a little flat to me.

At this time of day where light is strong you will not get rich, saturated colours and this to me is more reflective of the time of day.

[Steve Kaluski]

No worries about not capturing a decent HA, these guys are always on the move, always walking away from you, and never looking towards the lens.

Absolutely spot on Stu, however I still am left wondering how you got that shot of yours, as these guys instinctively seem to be one step ahead all the time. You'll have to give me some tips next time, as we are just looking at logistics at present, keen to see if the location Rachel used could work in conjunction with some other locations, but minimising down time in transfers.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear Steve,

I just love those birds! Had the pleasure of seeing them in the Kruger Park a few years back but not many images to show for that sighting. They are fast movers, LOL. At some stage one caught a huge grasshopper and I shot one burst, hoping to capture the moment...Unfortunately some tall grasses got in the way:)

So I think you are very fortunate to have this in your folders, what lovely clean frame of this Hornbill and it ticks all the boxes for me. Beautiful colours and exposure is spot-on, nice perspective and HA is great, love to see that gap in the beak! Wonderful detail as expected, superb PP work Sir

Thank you so much for sharing, a pleasure to view.

Warmest regards,

[arash_hazeghi]

that looks like straight out of a dinosaur movie!

[Steve Kaluski]

that looks like straight out of a dinosaur movie!

thanks Arash.