European Bee eater (Merops apiaster)

[Jonathan Ashton]

Hand held shot whilst on a walking holiday in Northern Spain, the image is cropped, I could not get closer.
OM-1, 150-400TC)
Focal Length (35 mm conversion) : 1002.0mm
ISO Sensitivity : 1600
Shutter : 1/4000 sec
F.No. : F5.6
Exposure compensation : 0.0 EV

ACR/PSCC

[kevin Hice]

Wow what a neat bird. Sort of reminds one of a kingfisher. I love the colors and the rock perch.Along with the bushes shows the environment well.Very nicely done Jonathan. TFS

[Brian Sump]

Jon, a perfect subject for such a stark and eery canvas.

Love the feel of contemplation in space. Dorsal view is sweet on this one.

I do see how you were composing and while the thorns and bushes do frame nicely, I really feel like this one would be sweet with the subject much lower LHC, looking up into the void with the pop of color on the plumage. The splotchy rock is just a lot here IMO.

PS - I feel like you're gonna hate my next frame

[Gerald Kelberg]

Hi Jon,

I really like the composition and the design of this with the Bee Eater so centred.

But given how spectacular the colours of these birds can be, I find it is a little dull. I guess it is the light as it was, but...

Thanks for sharing, Gerald

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Jon ... a super subject for sure .
I do like the concept somehow , apart from the central placement .... but image is lacking punch for me . Specially with this colorful birds I would prefer more color , I do miss the sharpness to be honest . BG itself is nice and soft with some lovely tonal variations .
Overall i am not too fuzzed about the presentation , sorry Jon

TFS Andreas