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Okavanga — SA Birds - Purplecrested Lourie 2
Published: 2012-08-13 10:30:25 +0000 UTC; Views: 391; Favourites: 16; Downloads: 12
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Description
Thanda Game Reserve. Canon EF70-200 mm f/4L IS USM.A very furtive bird, the purplecrested lourie is very well camouflaged in these trees.
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Comments: 17
I see didn't comment this, back when I faved it...
If this were to be hanging, framed, on someone's wall, a visitor might mistake it for a beautiful painting. It's exquisitely beautiful.
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Linda - this was literally a long shot. I was very far away in a jeep (500 meters?) and was using the 70-200 mm lens at full stretch. On the full frame image this is less than 1/10th of the area. Consequently, even though the lens is one of the best, the distance made to original shot slightly soft and under-saturated. Enter now the art of editing images and this is the result. It does have a slight painterly look, and most of the noise has been subsumed as texture. The colours have been boosted, but show a reasonable view of the plumage. The framing of the bird by the branches is, of course, a matter of chance, but I had taken about 6 six shots and this is the one which worked.
I sent the shot to Thanda, as I recall as they were interested in this rare bird, but I didn't get any feedback.
Many Thanks
David
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Well, this is simply gorgeous! And I would write them again, (sometimes people get busy and over look things, or simply make mistakes.) They might just thank you for it. (I would think!! )
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What a great shot, David ~ he blends so well with the tree! 
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Many thanks, Coco. Apparently, these are difficult to spot in trees as they blend in so well. I guess I was lucky to have a guide who spotted them and then knew how to wait.
Cheers
David
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You're most welcome, David ~ it looks quite prehistoric! 
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That's a good point, Coco - there is a kind of "dinosaur" look about it. I wonder what the genetic lineage of louries is?
Cheers
David
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I tried to search the Net for this info, but didn't get very far!
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Not surprised, Coco - highly specialised knowledge - maybe not known.
Cheers
David
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I remember seeing two of these guys a few weeks ago. It was quite exciting
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Many thanks, glad you like these guys!!
Cheers
David
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A good example of the adroit use of software, Pamela!!!
Cheers
David
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