Flight of the Lilac Breasted Roller

[Stu Bowie]

I was actually not set up for this take off shot, so I dont see this as sharp as my Kingfisher take off's that I have posted previously. However, Im glad to have captured the lovely colours of the wings. Kruger National Park.

Canon 50D
100-400 @ 400mm
1/2500
F/6.3
ISO 400

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand Held from the car.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The eye contact, colors and pose look good. There seems to be some lack of fine details, is it a heavy crop?

[Brian Sartor]

What amazing colors on this guy! Nice angle and the eye looks nice and sharp!

[Stu Bowie]

Axel, Brian, thanks for your feedback.

Axel, this was not too much of a crop at all. I agree, the detail is not there. Mmmm..wish I could go back for another one.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

I really like the pose and the eye contact....agree with you for the colors!

[Joe Senzatimore]

Even without the fine detail it is a wonderful shot. I'm glad you left the branch in as it gives the image a little "base". Some might be tempted to get rid of it , but that would be a mistake.

[Brian Barcelos]

Colors on this guy are amazing and you captured a wonderful angle. Comp is strong and I like the little bit of perch in the corner. I think selectively sharpening just the head a little would improve it overall. Congrats

[Chris Kotze]

Well timed Stu a super BIF captured

[David Fletcher]

Super comp and capture Stu. Good head angle too. Sharp where it needs to be.

[denise ippolito]

Beautiful take-off and eye contact. Really nice colors on the wings. I think you did a great job considering you weren't set up for the shot. I guess your natural reflexes are good!:)

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Well done Bro! Some detail missing, but you managed really well considering it got you by surprise. I really don't feel the sticks add anything. For all the viewer knows this bird could well be in flight and simply banking in your direction. Congrats mate!

[arash_hazeghi]

Beautiful Stuart, excellent colors and flight pose. wish for more detail though.

[Doug Brown]

I'd love to photograph a Lilac-Breasted Roller someday, so I'm envious of your image! I would like more fine detail, but it sounds like you made the most of an unexpected opportunity.

[Ian Mason]

I had the pleasure of seeing these in Zambia a few years ago - perhaps my favourite bird. I didn't get any shots nearly as good as this one. I'm envious.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Stuart!
Beautiful bird and I really love the pose that you have captured. Personally I too would lose the sticks - it would become more of a fine-art picture - and all the better of that IMHO!!! :D
Oh, and bring on the cricket!!! :eek:
Best regards,
Nicki

[Karl Egressy]

Great pose, nice eye contact and fantastic colours, Stuart.

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you all so much for kind words. Much appreciated.

[Harshad Barve]

lovely take off pose with colors ,
TFS

[James Salywoda]

Fantastic shot of this beautiful bird in flight. Well Done!

[Stu Bowie]

Harshad, James, thanks a lot guys.