Little Bee-eater

[Geoffrey Montagu]

One late afternoon last month in Botswana, this Little Bee-eater was removing the stinger of its freshly caught bee by rubbing and hitting it against the branch/perch. Not sure, but did read during this process enough pressure is applied to the insect , thereby removing most of the venom. C&C welcome.

D500, Sigma 150mm-600mm C @ 600mm, 1/2500s, f 6.3, HH, ISO 640.

Geoffrey

Removed a distracting branch in cs6.




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[John Mack]

Really like the color on these birds. Nice background with a nice perch. I could see the bird lower in the frame.

[gail bisson]

A bee-eater eating a bee! Doesn't get much more classic than this.
Your PP with cloning looks good.
Nice BG and simple perch. Suits the colorful bee-eater.
Bird seems a bit crunchy,
Gail

[Mike Poole]

Another good one from what looks like a great trip. Everything looks good to my eyes bar the bird being too high in the frame. Otherwise spot on

Mike

[Jonathan Ashton]

Geoffrey you have a nice shot there but I think the light needs a little taming. I think a little judicious use of luminosity at the raw stage would help tremendously.

[Dorian Anderson]

Beautiful color here. The bird does look a bit 'crunchy' as Gail notes, perhaps from over-sharpening?

Good job on the clone job, I didn't notice anything. Agree bottom of frame feels empty.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Geoff, great pose showing off his catch. Nice clean BG too. Next time you come to visit, a Bee Eater will always return to the same perch after catching his meal. Knowing that, you can capture some perching shots.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks everyone and for your suggestions. It was a considerable crop. Stu, good tip for the next visit.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu