p.2 #2 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
These are spectacular images! You have many comments about the first one but I find #3 to be very pleasing. Although the female is less colorful (it's not her fault!), I like the composition, and the sharpness of the image is amazing.
Your images have revived my enthusiasm to get a trip to CR organized.
p.2 #4 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
dclark wrote:
These are spectacular images! You have many comments about the first one but I find #3 to be very pleasing. Although the female is less colorful (it's not her fault!), I like the composition, and the sharpness of the image is amazing.
Your images have revived my enthusiasm to get a trip to CR organized.
Thank you very much for your kind words. The wealth of beautiful and colorful birds in CR is indeed worth going. Not only birds but also reptiles, and snakes, if the later is your cup of tea, of course. We are planning of going back to the region next year, in the second half of next year. It may include Ecuador or even only Ecuador, possibly.
p.2 #6 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
Excellent shots, Joshua!!
I was in Costa Rica earlier this year and spent 2 days trying to get the quetzal in Monteverde. Was finally successful but did not get good pictures because the pair was in deep shadows of trees and, as you said, you are not allowed to use fill flash.
p.2 #7 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
Sharona wrote:
These are really gorgeous. My favorite is the first one; I love seeing the habitat and he is framed perfectly!
Thank you very much, Sharon! More an environmental "portrait", indeed.
Warkari wrote:
Excellent shots, Joshua!!
I was in Costa Rica earlier this year and spent 2 days trying to get the quetzal in Monteverde. Was finally successful but did not get good pictures because the pair was in deep shadows of trees and, as you said, you are not allowed to use fill flash.
- Amit
Thank you very much, Amit! I admit that I got lucky on this trip. Everybody had to pay extra for this unscheduled outing but a shooting buddy of mine, in addition to that, had to change her scheduled flight back and had to stay an extra night to be able to do that. Shooting wildlife is kind of gambling and our bet paid off when were able to capture this pair of quetzals.
Another shooting buddy of mine and I had to go through heavy traffic around San Jose to make it to the airport and we were cutting it close. Apparently, another gamble in Costa Rica but fortunately, we made it back in time for our flight. Phew!
p.2 #8 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
Love the first image. The framing and the background is beautiful. You are well aware that returning to CR to shoot the quetzals is no guarantee that you will be able to take better images, right?
p.2 #9 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
bobbytan wrote:
Love the first image. The framing and the background is beautiful. You are well aware that returning to CR to shoot the quetzals is no guarantee that you will be able to take better images, right?
Thank you very much, Bobby! Yes, there is no guarantee, of course, but that would be a bet I am willing to take . Maybe and just maybe, I could get even luckier . You will never know.. To me, it is not just about the image but also about the very last minute arrangement to go to this location and all that experience that I think fondly of.
p.2 #11 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
Excellent decision and luck, as well. But not as excellent as your image-making here, Joshua. The first image is spectacular, and enhanced by the slight vignetting.
p.2 #12 · Resplendent quetzal - an unplanned encounter
Mike Veltri wrote:
Lovely shots!
Thank you very much, Mike!
Jeffrey wrote:
Excellent decision and luck, as well. But not as excellent as your image-making here, Joshua. The first image is spectacular, and enhanced by the slight vignetting.
. Maybe and just maybe, I could get even luckier 
. You will never know.. To me, it is not just about the image but also about the very last minute arrangement to go to this location and all that experience that I think fondly of.