I somehow forgot about this one when I posted a series of Bee-eaters several weeks ago. This was the fifth and final Bee-eater species we photographed during our 8 days in Botswana. (We missed the Swallow-tailed Bee-eater which at least theoretically should have been there.) This one is second -largest; only the Carmine is larger. It is a non-breeding paleartic migrant in Botswana, there only in the African summer months. Did some pruning of the perch.
I can't believe yet another bee-eater species from your trip, Bill. Detail looks very nice and up to your usual standard. Can't comment on colour but tonal range looks good and consistent with other bee-eaters I've seen. While I'm not usually a fan of washed out backgrounds, it does focus attention on the bird (and perch) and does fit the 'high key' theme.
Hi Bill, you saw more Bee - eaters on your trip that I manage to see in my 'back yard'. The high key BG brings out the colours nicely, and you managed a good pose and HA. Colours look spot on.