Thursday, January 8, 2009

Violaceous Turaco - The Zoo Part II

Unfortunately, this is more about the story and my frustrations than it is about the bird. This is such a beautiful bird and I simply was not able to capture it. Talk about a missed opportunity. In the aviary I waited patiently for a bird to apear. I finally saw this Turaco hopping around through the thick trees and it finally landed in a position where I could at least get a photo of it among the leaves. It saw me moving slowly trying not to frighten it away and was looking back at me.


Everything was coming out blurred no matter what I tried. Okay, 20 shots and I'm getting frustrated. I didn't want to use the flash and frighten it but I'm running out of options. I use the flash and it worked.


Just as I expected the flash caused the bird to take flight but it didn't do what I expected. Instead of flying away, it came right to me! It landed on the sign two feet from where I was standing. It was curious!


With it being so close (I could have reached out to touch it), I didn't want to use the flash repetitively and blind it but shot, after shot, after shot I was not having any luck. Everything was blurred and out of focus even when I tried macro because I was so close. I'm so excited about being this close and getting increasingly frustrated because this once in a lifetime opportunity is slipping away. By now I should have had 40 magnificent close-up shots. I can take a perfect shot of a flower this close but not a bird!?


As you can see, I did get some good shots but compared to the number of shots I took I'm disappointed. It finally got bored and flew away. I know it's me but sometimes I swear this camera gets a mind of it's own and is determined to mess up on me when I need it most. I'm still on a learning curve and will be so glad when this is second nature to me and I don't think, I just do.

What is most beautiful about this bird is, if you notice the red on it's wing, when it's wings are spread, the underside of its wings are all red. It spread its wings at one point and I got the picture... it didn't come out. Urrrggghhh!!! Maybe the next time something this wonderful happens the camera and I will be more in tune with each other. Still, I'm glad I got the shots I did.

As it flew off I said "thank you!" and looked up and saw someone smiling down at me.

13 comments:

Maria said...

What a beautiful and exciting post! Imagine, the bird POSED for your photos! I don't think that the pics are blurred, I think it is sooo difficult to capture birda AT ALL!
But all your photos are great, and still greater is your story!
I love the fist and the next to last shot best. And: the wings are red inside - LOL, wearing red petticoats :) What a birdie!

Anonymous said...

Maria - Thanks. I didn't post the blurred ones though. Maybe I should have to show the contrast. LOL! It really did pose. For a moment I wondered if it recognized the flash and in a vain moment came closer for it's photo opp.
:-D

Connie T. said...

The bird is beautiful. You got some great photos. I can take 20 pictures and maybe get one or two good ones.

Rosemarie said...

But you DID get beautiful shots! Love this bird.

Anonymous said...

Connie - Thank you. I didn't think I was alone but it didn't ease my frustration. I can laugh about it now.

Rosemarie - Thank you. I did get a few good shots. I figure after all the shots I took the odds were in my favor that a few would come out. LOL!

iriegal said...

You know what the saying is " 50 shots later and voila perfection." Okay, wait that is my saying.

Great shots. You are lucky that bird did not bum rush you and pelt you with bird poo.

Wait, that would of been a cool shot too. just teasing you.

Wonderful photos. onelove...iriegal

Mary said...

Very gorgeous! What a lovely bird.

The Birdlady said...

What a beauty! Nice work.

Napaboaniya.Elaine Ling said...

That's onee lovely redhead!! :P

George said...

My camera must be related to your camera -- I get a lot of blurred pictures as well! But seriously, I didn't notice any blurring in the photos you posted; I thought they were all great. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I am constantly amazed at the beautiful colors the Lord put on animals...Lovely photos.

Anonymous said...

Iriegal - You're so funny. Thanks. :-)

Mary & The Birdlady - Thank you both. I love the deep blue color of it.

Napaboaniya - It is quite the red head. :-D

George - I didn't post the blurred ones, besides there were way too many. :-D

Darla - God's creativity and love of colors never ceases to amaze me too.

Anonymous said...

I love all the shots of this gorgeous bird. LOL! I love that the flash attracted it to you. ;-)

Paz