Grey Lourie

[Stu Bowie]

There are more than just Kingfishers at my favourite location in the Pilanesberg National Park. This is a Grey Lourie, better known as the ' go away bird', as when he calls, it sounds just like he is saying " go away ". Maybe walking slightly away from me, but something different from this location. Once again I couldnt fault the BG in the early morning light, and the BG is a distant mountain.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/3200
F/6.3
ISO 1000

Hand Held

[gail bisson]

Wow, wow and wow! You nailed this Stu.
The BG, the "roadrunner" pose , raised crest and the light and color palette have come together beautifully.The little bit of green in the BG is nice.
I really like the curlycue end of the perch.
I see the hint of a grass to the left and bottom third of the curlycue. I would clone that out.
I could see a version with the stick intersecting with the body removed but fine as is.
love this one,
gail

[Isaac Grant]

Beautiful soft feather details here. Fun pose and great background. I agree with Gail and would clone out the stick that is pointing up between the legs.

[annmpacheco]

Applause for you Stu, what an image, I agree w the housekeeping above. What a very wonderful bird, the feather sheen and that raised foot on this gorgeous perch of course along with the bokeh, a stunner for sure. How big a bird is this and are they common, year round?

[David Salem]

Great image Stu! Love the soft colors and the fun pose. I agree about the stick but otherwise a real treat to view! Well done

[Stu Bowie]

How big a bird is this and are they common, year round?

Thanks Ann. This is not a big bird, probably the same size as a Dove. At this location, numerous species of birds 'pop in' to perch. If one went there every day, you would not be guaranteed what you saw today, will return tomorrow. They are more common all year round in the African Bush.

Thank you all for the kind words.