Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias cordatus

[Dave Barnes]

Another Lilac-breasted Roller from the Kruger Park.
BG not as great but I like the detail.

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1600
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +2/3
ISO Speed 400

[Stephen Earle]

Better perch this time Dave. Like you said the feather detail and for me the subtle colours are outstanding.

[Craig Markham]

You certainly did capture beautiful feather detail in this lovely bird, Dave. I'm generally a fan of showing wildlife with a degree of context, but this is a very attractive art piece. The framing gives just enough space, all around; the strong head turn toward the camera allowed you to leave less space on the left than if the bird had been facing more in that direction. The fine diagonals of the back and tail give a nice line, and the piqued, direct look makes strong contact with the viewer.

I agree with Gal Shon (below) that the combination of the dark BG area and the center of gravity of the bird weighs down the left side of the image compared to the lighter BG on the right. Contrary to what I said above, more space with lighter BG to the left might have helped, but I know rollers don't sit around waiting for you to get the perfect angle! Thank you for sharing!

[Gal Shon]

Color, light and tail are amazing.
The comp is not balanced,
there's a strong halo at the end of the wing

[Markus Jais]

wonderful colors. I like the curious look of the bird. good perch. I would prefer a green background instead of the grey one has to use what's available.

Markus

[Mike Veltri]

Lovely image of this beautiful bird. Great light and feather detail.

[Geurt Bloem]

Dave, lovely image of one of our sweetest bird subjects. Lovely sharpness and excellent exposure.

[Stu Bowie]

I think the comp works well Dave, as these guys have long tails, and you have placed the end of it perfectly in the LRC. With the angle of pose, there is also space to look into. I like light on the colours, naturally exposed, sharp, and what a lovely eye. I find the darker area of the BG a tad distracting.

[David Fletcher]

Like it too Dave. Think the details, look and comp are fabulous. Sure, it'd be nice to have a different bg color, but they don't hang around and the body and head are placed in a site of strength.

[Kobus Tollig]

Super Dave. Great exposure comp and bg. I would like a bit more space on the left and top

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all for looking and for comments, they are appreciated.
I did look at a comp with more space on the left and top but it places the bird a bit central I think.