Richard Siersma
November 2025 - Hornbill
About the Image(s)
This photo was taken at the San Diego Zoo in an aviary. I spent quite a bit of time trying to get a clear shot of this Toucan; finally, he landed on the branch where I was able to capture this shot.
Post processing: Initial adjustments were done in LR using "Auto". In PS, I used the Topaz Photo AI filter to enhance, DeNoise, and sharpen the image. Finally, I cloned out several blown-out highlights, but still left a few.
Camera: Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor 180-600 @ 410mm
Exposure: Handheld, 1/320 sec @ f/8 ISO: 11400
1 comment posted
They really are beautiful birds! Well done Richard on getting a clear shot. No stray twigs or branches. The bird's posture looks very natural and you've even managed to get some eye contact. I'd consider desaturating the green background slightly so that the bird can really pop. I think you could also crop a little more off the top and the left-hand side. Well done though. Your patience paid off! Posted: 11/02/2025 23:20:39