Fun with Jacanas

[Dan Busby]

After Gail's great shots of the Jacana photographed in Africa and then Arno's follow up with the lovely Lesser Jacana I just had to go digging through my files from earlier this year in Costa Rica. I knew I didn't have anything really great but I thought it would be interesting to keep this little theme going. This Northern Jacana was captured near Turrialba, in east central CR. The feeding action was non-stop and I felt lucky to get something as sharp as I did as the light was fairly low. I could have upped the ISO but I didn't have much time to mess around so I just threw myself onto the ground (something I know you shouldn't do where there is hookworm!) and started shooting. I have some others that show the feet much better but there are issues with other parts of each one. The big challenge here was not blowing the yellows. All C&C welcome.
Canon 7D, 500 f/4L, ISO:400, f/5.6@1/640, EC: 0.0, AP, AI Servo AF, evaluative metering, hand held lying on ground, 04Feb2011

[Brendan Dozier]

These are very interesting looking birds, Dan, love that yellow wattle on the forehead. Like the pose you captured and the surrounding habitat contrasts well.

[Ken Watkins]

Dan,

I find this bird similar in body but totally different in the head to our local species. A beautiful image of a beautiful bird, nothing else needs to be said

[PRABIR BHATTACHARYYA]

Dan agree with Ken 100%. Nothing more needs to be said.

[Dave Leroy]

The SS stopped the nice action and low angle paid off as well. Nicely done.

[Stu Bowie]

Dan, the colours on your Jacana are totally different to ours, ( cool colour )but great to see variation of different species. Interesting 'cap' on the head too, and your Jacana is nice and sharp. Comp wise, I would maybe take some off the top.

[Mital Patel]

fantastic plumage captured in all mean. the crown looks **** sweet. wish for little crop from top.

[gail bisson]

Hi Dan,
I didn't know there were jacanas in Costa Rica. Very cool and I love the yellow wattle.
This image is very nice. I like the feeding position and the head angle. The first toe is visible so that is great.
I would crop some off the top and clone out the black line that is above and to the left of the jacana. Can you open up the blacks at the junction of the neck and shoulder? (always a tricky thing with the 7D).
I am really enjoying this jacana thing and may post another one!
Gail