Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana)

[Juan Aragonés]

This species is not easy to photograph if you are not inside a blind because, like all the corvid species, they are very intellingent. Anyway, in some places they are used to the presence of people and have lost their natural shy. I photographed this pair of azure winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana) in one of such places. I was having my lunch near at one of the parkings of Doñana National Park (Huelva, Spain) while a group of this beautiful birds were waiting in the trees for some free meal so I decided to put some pieces of bread in a nearby perch in order to look what it happen and you can imagine the rest... lots of azure-winged magpies at very close distance and a lot of fun.

Nikon D2X AFS Nikkor 300VR+1,4XTC handheld, slight cropping for a better composition and some cloning job on the lower part of the wood to remove several bread pieces.

[Gus Cobos]

I like it Juan,
The colors and action are great, love the composition and background...:D

[Sid Overbey]

Juan, a very nice photo. I particularly like the action of the second bird. Colors are nicely muted as well.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great perch, action, details and BG. Maybe a tad more space at the right if you have.

[Fabs Forns]

Wow, great palette of colors and action. Agree on more space at the right.

[John Chardine]

I was in Lisbon last week and I tried to see this species on a field trip but no luck. Your beautiful image is the next best thing!

[Valerio Tarone]

I know the bird is difficult and very shy since so told me Rita Ochetti-Gioannini who had been in Estremadura,Andalusia. A perfect shot!