Little Bee-eater

[Steve Zamek]

This photo was taken during my trip to Botswana in July. I was lucky enough to see four species of bee-eater, which have to be some of the most beautiful birds around. I think the Little Bee-eater, however, remains my favorite.

40D
500mm + 1.4 TC
f8
1/1250
+1 EV
ISO 400
Beanbag from vehicle

[Cindy Cone]

Beautiful capture, Steve. Great detail on the bee-eater, good head angle, nice diagonal perch and a lovely background. I also like the slightly open bill.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I am not fan of the almost square crop. But I love your little Bee-eater. Razor sharp and great exp. BG is fab too!

[edgar-junior]

Amazing shot with nice detail !!! composition are great

[Peter Hawrylyshyn]

Steve
Lovely bird, nice sharpness, HA and clean BKGD

There's a color cast and image would improve with a levels adjustment

Thanks for sharing

[Mike Milicia]

Gorgeous bird ... great colors, nice pose, and excellent detail and background!
I don't see an obvious color cast but, then again, I've never seen this species
so can't be sure.

[Harshad Barve]

Wonderful species , loved lighting , exp, compo, BG and razor sharp
TFS

[Marc Mol]

Improved with Peter's repost, beautiful color & BG and sharp Steve, well done.
I'm off to Botswana myself in 4 days time and look forward to many encounters with various Bee-eaters.;)

[Rob Drummond]

Lovely Steve, just as I remember them - on a fine curved twig just waiting to dash out at a passing insect.
Great sharpness and light.

cheers
Rob

[Erich Stevens]

Hi Steve,

Excellent detail and colors. I prefer your original post.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Lovely colours, Good HA, the dof looks good and a wonderful BG.. congrats..

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Steve,
I prefer the warmth of the original post - sweet little bird!
Best,
Nicki

[Steve Zamek]

Thank you all for your kind comments.

Peter: Thanks for the re-post. I've been uneasy with the color rendition of this photo from the very beginning. It just didn't seem quite right. Your version pops really nice, but I think the colors are still just a bit off. I'll need to devote some more time to this photo with respect to color cast.

Marc: Have a great time in Botswana. I'm sure you'll love it. I look forward to seeing your photos upon your return.

[Simon Bennett]

Beautiful image - beautiful bird!! Tack sharp and lovely background.

[Juan Aragonés]

Fantasitic image Steve. love the creamy out of focus background and the light angle a lot. I prefer the original by the way. Terrific details in the feathers and fantastic eye contact.

[Krijn Trimbos]

I very much prefer the repost. There was definitely a red colourcast to this shot. I love the HA the pose and the twig and would probably take smidge of the top. With a little more work this could be a real winner IMHO. Keep up the good work!

[Gal Shon]

A beautiful family of birds, so colorful.
I think I'll prefer somethimg between the OP and the RP.
light, sharpness, perch and a beautiful BG. well done.
Not a fan of square format.