One of my top goals on a recent trip to Costa Rica was to view and shoot the Resplendent Quetzal. It is probably the most beautiful bird I have ever encountered. They can be found in the higher elevations of rainforests in both Central and South America. They are currently classified in the 'threatened' category.
Here is a link to an article at Wikipedia with some very interesting facts.
With a guide we set out at first light, and got lucky. I found it quite a challenge to photograph. Its body is approximately 18" with a tail near 24". To capture the beautiful features of the bird, one may need to exclude the tail. Fortunately, a wind aided pose allowed me to improve on a composition for one of my shots.
Superb shots Ed. As you say this is a very difficult species to capture and the dim forest habitat ups the challenge. Outstanding set of images.
Very well done, Thank you
Well when things look this good on my crappy work monitor then I know I will be in for a treat when I get home on my good monitor!
Wow Ed, these shots rock and what a thrilling bird you have captured. Glorious color and form, wow congrats on accomplishing your goal Abundant color and detail, just knockouts buddy!!
Wow Ed...these are outstanding! Such great detail and obviously you had good shooting conditions to be able to shoot at iso 400...I would be over the moon with these shots! The quetzal is one of those birds I remember seeing in my first bird book when I was a small child...but for some reason the image was in black and white...go figure
Eric
Fantastic, Ed! I've been to Costa Rica a couple times, but have yet to see a Quetzal. Your set shows that the species really does live up to it's name--sumptuous colors, elegant plumage--really a thrill to see!
Magnificent bird is displayed beautiful, Ed. You nailed them all in such a tough shooting condition in the forest. I love them all; colorful, detail, all angles are captured nicely.
Amazing shots Ed. That tail is quite the challenge but I think you handled it well and got great shots both including it and excluding it. Especially the windblown one is very nice.
Abundant color and detail, just knockouts buddy!!
Gorgeous set Ed !!! So very well done.