Southern Carmine Bee-eater

[Chris van Rooyen]

This image was created at a bee-eater colony on the Zambezi River in Namibia. The wind caused an updraft against the steep river banks where the birds were nesting, This bird used the updraft to hover momentarily above its nest before diving into the nesting hole. The white river sand reflecting the light on its undersides was a big bonus.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/Time: 2006:10:13 09:12:42
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 500mm
Focal length: 700mm

[Axel Hildebrandt]

This is excellent in all respects. Great light, details, pose and BG. I don't even mind that there is no wing/beak separation. The bird is quite centered but I'm not sure if it would improve the image if he were further to one side.

[Rene Quenneville]

This is a piece of art. Superb! I like the bird centered in the frame and the crop you selected. Color rendition is outstanding.

[Maxis Gamez]

Gorgeous and very unique. The pose is excellent and light!

[Jim Poor]

Super. Unique pose and great techs.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Excellent! The centered composition works perfectly. I see a slight sharpening halo along the bottom edge of the wings.

[Fabs Forns]

Outstanding image. Unusual pose, great light and background.

I see the halo also.

[Tony Whitehead]

Stunning image Chris. Knowing how fast these things can move makes it all the more impressive to have the technicals so perfect.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments everyone:). Will keep those halos in check in future

[Glenn Bartley]

this is so awesome. I love the colors in the overall image and the Bg is awesome. WELL DONE!!!!!

[John Cooper]

Well seen and captured Chris - one of the more colouful bee-eaters. The backgrond is also very complimentry - you must have been delighted with your efforts!!

[Jacqui Hendry]

Beautiful,
It has a lovely serene feel about it,
I Love the subtle pastel shades

Gorgeous

[Dave Courtenay]

Truly stunning image-love everything about it

[Del Cockroft]

Everybody above has said it all. What more can one say for this superb image. Tremendous capture.

[Kirsten Frost]

A beautiful bird very well captured Chris. Love the vibrant colour and interesting posture here.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks again guys:-) Nice to see you on the site Kirsten

[Marko Matesic]

Just my modest signature .
Marko

[Linda Robbins]

Remarkable capture! Perfect as presented.

[Alice Meronek]

Try using a "channels" sharpening to prevent halos.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Kill shot!!!
Exellent colors and details!

[Johnny Bravo]

Stunning--he's even got his low speed 'slats' (if he were a plane) working. Amazing shot.