African Green Pigeon

[Morkel Erasmus]

I was extremely lucky to get this very elusive species out in the open in the Kruger Park on a day visit in December.

In Afrikaans their name translates to "Parrot Pigeon" which is apt given the beautiful colours on this bird. They are normally found in thick riverine foliage foraging on fruits, often hanging upside down like real parrots.

Wish the light was better - maybe next time :D

Techs:
Canon 7D with 100-400mm L IS USM
f7.1 @ 1/1250 SS @ ISO-800
Exp +0.7

[Todd Frost]

Very cool looking bird Morkel. Agree on the light. Chosen comp fits well with the pose. Well done.
TFS
Todd

[Pieter de Waal]

Hi Morkel you are right not easy to get these out in the open. You have managed the colours well despite the light and great eye contact.

[Bhushan Dalvi]

Morkel, what a beautiful bird! I like the off BG and you did well with the harsh light. TFS.

[Norm Dulak]

I generally agree with the comments made above. But I would clone out the white spot at the top of the eye. :w

[Norm Dulak]

Morkel.
A repost showing what I meant in my foregoing comments is attached.

Norm

[Stu Bowie]

Love the olive greens of these guys Mork, and I feel you have captured good detail. You are lucky to have captured him in the open.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Nice to get them in the open Morkel, lovely perch and background. Did you use flash? I meant to tell you, I got the Knysna Loeries in Wilderness, at the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp.