My garden #4 - African Hoopoe

[Rudi Venter]

The African Hoopoe (Upapa Africana) is a shy bird that avoids human contact. I have a few that frequent my garden but I do not have many good photos of them.

When I took the photo it was almost dark, I was on my way to a dark area in my garden to take some photos of the moon so I did not exactly have my normal birding setup with me.

Canon EOS 7D, Sigma 120-300 EX f2.8 at 300mm, f2.8, 1/250 sec and ISO 6400

In the photo the Hoopoe was busy feeding, he picked up a seed with the tip of his beak that he then chucks into the air to catch it again and swallow it.

Thanks for looking,
Rudi

 

[Glen Roberts]

I'd love to see a Hoopoe, we get the occasional one in this country they are usually way down south :-(

 

[Hamish Gill]

thats fantastic with the bit of food in the air! very well captured id say

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Hamish! The sound this bird makes has always been one that reminds me of the bush and nature, like the Fish Eagle.

 

[Bryan Hunt]

Cracking shot Rudi great detail and colour. Do you know if this is a male or female bird

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Bryan. I was surprised how low the noise was at ISO 6400, I did not remove any. It was so dark I struggled to find the bird in the view finder and frame the shot, I only saw that he/she was eating once I looked at the photo on the PC

No, I do not know since males and females look exactly the same. Strange how in some species it is easy to see and in others impossible!

 

[Ralph Thornton]

A great capture! Very tough to get that seed in the air. The photo tells a story, has great color and comp. Thank Rudi.

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Ralph! Capturing the seed was pure luck

 

[Ralph Thornton]

Luck maybe, but you were there and you did capture that perfect moment. I like having a little luck sometimes.

 

[Rudi Venter]

Yes, luck helps

 

[Thomas brookes]

The seed is epic!!!! mm perfect !!! Luck or not it's a great shot rudi!!!! Top marks!!!

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Thomas!

 

[Paul Lange]

It's not often you see a photo that captures one of those moments that make it real special, let alone take the photo!

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Paul

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Outstanding! - Those plumage colours are crazy

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Chris, yes, an amazing bird!