Pied Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) Mataranka NT

[Rod Warnock]

Pied Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) Mataranka NT
Canon EOS 40D Lens 100-400mm L IS USM at 400mm ISO 400 F6.3 /250 24 September 2009

The Pied Imperial-Pigeons would fly high over Mataranka singly or in pairs and land heavily in tall trees. The one above landed on a high dead branch paused for a few images then flew to a Sandpaper Fig ( Ficus coronata) nearby which was in fruit. After slowly moving in with tripod and camera the bird allowed a close approach a little above head high. These are truly superb birds when observed at this range. Other names used are Torresian or Torres Strait Imperial-Pigeon a good description of its habitat and distribution may be found at : http://www.wirrimbirra.com.au/Pied%20im ... pigeon.htm
Thanks for viewing
Best regards
Rod Warnock

[Rob Drummond]

Great shot Rod. Nice detail and I like the dappled light created by the foliage. can't remember a bettr shot of this hard to get species.

cheers
Rob

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey Rod, thanks including the info on this beautiful dove! Image is busy, but looks like this is probably typical habitat for this species. I wish for better light and there are some light/white areas in the BG (and one on the branch) that are somewhat distracting. I like how you captured the undertail barring, very neat!

[Kiran Poonacha]

Great looking Bird Rod, Nice expo and details...

[Harshad Barve]

beautiful species and image , first time for me , VWD here
TFS

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful dove with us . It is a new species for me and you captured well in a very difficult setting. Well done Rod.

[Chris van Rooyen]

New species for me and a very good effort in a difficult situation! It vaguely resembles our African Green Pigeon, and I know how difficult it is to photograph them in thick foliage. I would consider removing the brown leaves in the background at the top of the frame

[Simon Bennett]

Well captured Rod.