Carmine Bee-Eater

[Dave Barnes]

A break from the Giants Castle vultures.
This photo was made in October last year in Botswana.
The bird was approaching its nest. The BG is a river bank in the distance.

Canon 1D mk3
Canon 500 f4+1.4TC
ISO 400
f5.6
SS 1/640

[Kiran Poonacha]

What colours Sir.. Lovely image.. wish the wings were spread out. but, I must say being a bird photographer we always have "wish this & wish that", but we should not forget we are a blessed few to witness & capture natures beauty as presented to us.

[Lana Hays]

I agree with Kiran.....always a lot to wish for....but in this case, I'd wish it were mine!! What a colorful bird and sharp head.......well done.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

I really like the pose,composition and the wing position!

[Chris van Rooyen]

Great sharpness where it counts and I enjoy the posture and colour! Was the slow shutter speed deliberate to blur the wings?

[Stephen Earle]

Really like the head angle here Dave. In your face pose holds the attention.

[Stu Bowie]

Dave, brilliant posture, captured in stunning light. You have exposed the colours nicely, and this sharp where it counts. Great image.

[Nagesh Mula]

A very beautiful picture with the blurred wings giving the sense of motion.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Nice motion blur, of course a more spread wing would be better for most viewers, but it is a wonderful moment you had captured nevertheless. Razor sharp where it counts!

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all for looking and for comments.
Chris I cant remember but it came out OK. (LOL)
We did go back to the carmines on a few occations, to try different things,this one was taken from the top of the river bank facing almost parallel to capture the birds approaching their nesting sites below and to the side of us.

[Mark Dumbleton]

Lovely image Dave! Going up to the Okavango river in October so definately want to try get me some of these shots! Love the posture and head angle. I like the DOF and blurry wings - even if not intended, the result was spectacular! Well done!

[Juan Aragonés]

Superb job in this frame Dave. The eye contact is killer and the shrapness to die for. Love the Bg and the wings blurred. Terrific

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all, appreciated.