White-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris talatala) - Juvenile thus no white belly yet.
Non Captive Bird. Letaba Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa. Like a Duracell Bunny. Wouldn't stand still for more than a fraction of a second. Tiny bird @ 11cm / 7.5 g. He could fit standing inside your 500mm lens hood :) Near impossible to compose him and shot hand held, no mono-tripod, with my 1997 Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO non stabilised bazooka. It keeps surprising me. Love the orange pollen caked around the mouth area! That's from sticking it's beak down those long orange flowers to get the nectar out. Isn't nature amazing?
I had three other Animal shots I agonised over entering but went with the eye-candy eventually. Let's see...
ETA: 12 hours before rollover I really thought I had a shot at a top 10 at 6.8824 Alas a few "below average" 5 and "it's mediocre" 6's scuppered that idea. Nonetheless I am happy about the placing considering this Free Study's professional work.
Thank you all for comments and votes and giving a simple wildlife shot a chance.
This is such a great image Harvey!
Along with excellent technique, the bird gave the perfect pose and background spacing. Even though very brief and erratic, you nailed it. I love a good challenge like this.
As when it all comes together, it is so worth the effort. This is the kind of image, to be proud of.
Excellent!
Beautiful, would have given it a 10 if I had been voting! I know how hard it is to capture Sunbirds! We have a Malachite Sunbird who visits our garden. I live in Wakkerstroom very cold in winter!
very sharp- would have been a better image if the out of focus flowers and stems were not there- but I know how difficult it is to be able to achieve that! That only my humble opinion. Its a great shot nonetheless.
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