This was taken at a picnic spot in the Kruger National Park. He was sitting on a low fence, so I went for a portrait shot. These guys like to scavenge food from visitors. This is a slightly different image from my previous one, as the BG is different.
Ditto Randy, and I would add that some fill-flash would have helped with the eye and the area around it. I love the bill's colour and texture...you bring that out so well!
It's easy to mess up these "easy" shots, but you're too good a shooter for that, Stu. I like the impression of a scowl that we get from the downward pointing bill. Kind of looks like a portrait of a dictator on the national currency.
Bravo amigo!
This must be a joy to photograph! as toucans, these birds have lots of personality!
Love the repost and that clean BG, eye, beak and pose are wonderful too.
Stuart, stunning details. WOW...such a mean looking fella. In India, the hornbills always stay very high up in tall trees. It must be delight to shoot them at eye level like this. You did very well with the exposure and HA.