Swallow Tailed Bee-eater

[Ken Watkins]

Taken in Savute Marsh area of Chobe National Park, Botswana, 2nd January 2011.
EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 Is hand-held from open game viewing vehicle

F7.1, ISO 800, 1/1000

[Vivaldo Damilano]

You really had a great trip, excellent image this, IQ is superb, also like the colours, HA and smooth BG

[Joe Senzatimore]

Excellent detail and exposure. Might like a bit more room on top. Gotta love that eye.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Man this guy looks in rough shape, almost battle worn! I guess it was in molting stage. Nice pose and vertical comp. Bird is perfectly exposed (and sharp!) but I'd be tempted to tone down the top edge of the perch. you could also reduce the impact of the whitish areas at bottom.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Absolutely gorgeous, I hesitate to criticise such a beautiful image but I would suggest toning down the highlights on the perch a little bit.

[Stu Bowie]

Ken, lovely colours through the BE, sharp, and well exposed. I do like the pose, and what a killer BG. Well captured.

[Ken Watkins]

Thanks for the comments, this was probably taken after heavy rain.

Daniel,

Must admit to not really noticing the perch much, but now that you have pointed it out , I'll take a look, thanks.

[Pieter de Waal]

Beautifully sharp image Ken with nice natural colours in good light. I tend to agree with Daniel that the bird was probably in molt.

[Troy Lim]

Lovely shot...love the messy hairdo...:D

[James Salywoda]

Awesome well done Ken.