The Crescent-faced Antpitta is one of the rarest and shiest birds in South America. As presented, it is larger on the screen than in real life (4.5 inches, 11.5cm). They inhabit very isolated pockets
of High Andean forest and páramo in Colombia and Ecuador, and they are incredibly stealthy (like most anpittas). This frame was captured at a feeding station near Manizales. There was very little
light, and I had only a narrow window through which to shoot. I am ecstatic with this result given the challenges the species presents. A bit more head turn would have been nice, but that's not how it
generally works with these birds. Rather than whistle to get the look you want, you stay perfectly still and hope the thing doesn't disappear into impenetrable forest!
Not sure there's a better one of this species out there......
Canon 600mm f/4 IS on EOS 1DX Mark 2
1/80 at f/5.6, ISO 2000 (flash it not permitted on the these birds)
Processed in LR CC without trickery. Nothing cloned in/out.
Last edited by Dorian Anderson; 07-14-2019 at 12:45 PM.
Wow and double Wow Dorian.
What a FANTASTIC bird and pretty darn good image.
Lots of great details in the bird and tack sharp at 1/80.
I might tidy up the reflection in the eye a bit but still pretty special as is.
Gail
Wow how cool is that! Great perch, BG, colours. I like the pose as is. Technically speaking the critical focus seems to be on the shoulder and the area above the wing...but for such a rare bird and the conditions you had I'd be just as happy as you are! I'm sure just this image alone made your trip a worthwhile one.
Sounds like pretty though shooting conditions. The bird is very neat looking. Like all that moss. You should have uped the ISO to 6400 or 3200 that 1dx could handle it no problem. Not like it matters now. The bird looks pretty sharp for 1/80sec. Hope to see more neat looking birds.
Mazel tov on a very special capture. Great perch and BKGR.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
ps: was the perch set up? It is a very nice one ...
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BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Crescent-faced Antpitta - Colombia
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