Red-billed Tropicbird

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Captured this image last year near the top of a small island off the coast of Tobago. When we got to a fairly crowded wooden platform and found a spot to stand, we were treated to quite a vista down the steep cliffs to the ocean and other smaller islands. There also were lots of Red-billed Tropicbirds competing for fish with the larger Frigate-birds also know as the Man-O-War bird. The Frigatebird will try to steal fish from the Red-billed Tropicbirds, usually successfully. All the birds were making trips to the ocean then they would circle around in front of the steep cliffs, in my image the bird was just entering the tropical mist/haze backlit by the sun which was peaking through a notch on the mountain ridge. Sheer cliffs in the shaded background.

D810, Nikon 80-400mm @400mm, 1/2500s, f 8.0, HH, ISO 1250

Geoffrey

[gail bisson]

I love this Geoffrey! The mood is magical and mystical. I love the line created by the tail.
The BG is really unusual and eye catching.
I like your comp but could see aversion with a bit taken off the RHS.
Well seen.
Gail

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Geoffrey, Gail is right... magical. Love the image, thank you for sharing.

[annmpacheco]

Hi Geoffrey,
Lovely image indeed, I like the mystery it evokes and I'm sure it is an embedded memory for you. Wow!

[Bill Dix]

Terrific capture, Geoffrey. I remember the moment, and these guys weren't easy to get. The curve of the tail and the tropical mist make it special. I wonder if some Curves adjustment to bring up the darks in the bird would help, or would it spoil the mystery?

[Daniel Cadieux]

That is different for sure! I like that you kept the bird relatively centered here as the transition in the background plays a huge role here. Looks like you may have lightened the blacks of the lower wing - I'd darken those back. Nicely seen opportunity!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks everyone, and for your suggestions.

Geoffrey




http://http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[William Dickson]

This is so different. Love the dark BG, showing the bird nicely. Great flight pose.

Will

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks William.

Geoffrey




http://http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu