Chestnut-headed Oropendola

[Doug Brown]

I arrived in Costa Rica a day early for my workshop this year, and spent the extra time doing some photography for myself. I'm in awe of the incredible eye of this Chestnut-headed Oropendola! Simply stunning!

Nikon D5, Nikon 200-500mm @ 420mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 800, manual exposure, hand held

[John Mack]

Your are right about that eye. The dark background works well here. Nice detail on the bird.

[Isaac Grant]

This looks super cool Doug. Great bird and you captured it perfectly. I love the dark mood of the image. It really accentuates the lightness of the beak and that crazy eye.

[Alex Becker]

Gorgeous eye, and I like the dark BG. Detail throughout looks good. Love the slight red color on the bird. Would love to make it down to CR at some point. TFS

[Jonathan Ashton]

Doug this looks like a well thought out image, I like the composition and the contrasting colours, excellent details in all tones.

[annmpacheco]

Hi Doug, This is in "yo face" and i like it! Love the close-up and the dark tones throughout. Love the eye as well. I'm not sure if there is a name for the beak when it extends up into the head, but I love this bird too! Always reminds me of a ski slope and well, it is snowing here in CT right now so forgive me... Good to see you posting here. A gorgeous image.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Awesome portrait, I love the mood of the overall dark image. The bill, and especially the eye, really pop.

[Dorian Anderson]

This is really sweet Doug, well done. You are right about the eye, looks like a deep blue sea!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Doug, excellent exposure, especially on that beak. Gotta love that eye, and it pops so well against the darker plumage and BG. Well captured.

[Doug Brown]

Many thanks for the comments everyone!

[Noel Heustis]

Doug - this might be a bit late, but I'm glad I didn't miss this one. As you and the others have said, that eye is stunning. I love the details in the eye, bill, and feathers, and that BG is sweet. Beautifully well thought out shot.