African Purple Swamphen ( purple gallinule )

[Stu Bowie]

I went to a new birding spot in one of Johannesburg's suburbs over the weekend and came away with this fellow. My first decent image of this species. Yes the HA police can have a go;) I waited for the moment, but he just didnt want to turn his head towards me. I thought second prize would be showing his large feet. These guys like to walk across lily pads on the water. I also decided to leave the surrounding enviroment in the image.

Canon 50D
100-400 @ 400mm
1/1000
F/5.6
ISO 500

Exp Comp +0.67
Hand held

[Ken Watkins]

Stuart,

Never seen one of these, but would love to:)

Nothing wrong with the HA for me and the raised foot makes it really special.

In comparison to body size the foot must be as big as a Jacana.

[Dumay de Boulle]

Good detail, and comp. Great exposure...The iridescence is spot on. I have only seen these guys twice. But always a treat...Nice one Stu

[Scott Frye]

Wow -- look at the colors

[Bill Dix]

Great pose, colors, detail, and glorious feet. I certainly wouldn't reject this because of the HA. I might consider a version without the oof grasses in the water, but can appreciate the desire for habitat.

[denise ippolito]

Stuart, Nice habitat image and the details and colors of the bird look good. I love the pose w/ raised foot and agree w/ you regarding the HA.

[Michael Zajac]

Stuart, I may have put the bird lower in the frame. Sharpness and exposure look great. I do think that the HA is off. Still a nice shot.

[Stu Bowie]

Stuart, I may have put the bird lower in the frame. Sharpness and exposure look great. I do think that the HA is off. Still a nice shot.

Thanks Michael. After having another look, I tend to agree with you.

Denise and others, thanks a stack for all your feeback and comments. They are always appreciated.

[Tony Whitehead]

Great light angle, sharpness and pose with the raised leg, Stu. Iridescence is perfect.

[Chris Kotze]

Super colours and detail lovely image Stu

[Arthur Morris]

What a brute. Love the raised foot. The head is a fraction past square to you but close enough to avoid incarceration. General rule: 2 X as much space above the bird than below; this one could use a crop from the bottom.

[Vida van der Walt]

What a beautiful bird Stu! Great capture and the colours are awesome. Lovely detail and ditto environment. Agree with a slice off the bottom. I can't believe the size of that foot!:)

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you all so much guys and girls.

[Hendri Venter]

You got yourself a lovely image here mate. The foot up is priceless and the IQ outstanding.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack mate.

[Austin Thomas]

Excellent Stuart, The raised foot is a bonus and I agree with a shave off the bottom.

Cheers

Austin