Kathy Buckard  


Turaco by Kathy Buckard

July 2024 - Turaco

About the Image(s)

This image was taken in the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. It is one of my favorite places to shoot in Key West, Florida because of the variety of things to find there. Not only are there thousands of butterflies, there are many varieties of birds, turtles, moths, caterpillars, flowers etc. Most people walk through in less than a half hour. My husband and I spend at least 4 hours there every time we go. Best time to go(to any butterfly conservatory) is when they first open as the butterflies are dormant early in the a.m. so they are easier to photograph when they are just waking up. Hope you get the change to visit one. We are lucky as we live in Key West 6 month of the years.

Nikon D500 Manual exposure. 1/60 F5/6. Focal Length 82mm. Nikkor 18-200


This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Kathy, this is the first time I See this species of birds. I understand that they are originally from Africa, and are also known as Banana Eaters. It is amazing the variety of feathers colors. You capture it in a kind of interesting pose, showing off all the colors and looking at you to get your raection. Image is sharp.   Posted: 07/02/2024 16:51:38



Kathy Buckard   Kathy Buckard
Thank you for your comments. It was truly a beautiful bird, with a unique combination of colors. I was very patient waiting for the right moment of the bird turning his/her head. I was worth the wait.   Posted: 07/03/2024 12:03:03



Gloria Grandolini   Gloria Grandolini
Kathy, very interesting bird and beautiful colors. I really like that you were able to get the eyes looking at you. I feel that creates a narrative of a moment of intersection of both worlds. I also like the background green colors of the leaves that contrast with the green of the crest.   Posted: 07/08/2024 16:38:43
Kathy Buckard   Kathy Buckard
Thank you for your kind words. Thought this was a very unusual bird and waited patiently for him to turn and look at me. Unfortunately, many others never saw the bird as they were only looking at the butterflies.   Posted: 07/24/2024 01:35:11



Jim Horn   Jim Horn
Kathy, I had no idea that this distinctive bird is in the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. The details are spectacular. Did you use any special lighting - or did this Turaco want to perch in the spotlight? Jim   Posted: 07/11/2024 16:03:15



Kathy Buckard   Kathy Buckard
No Jim I did not use any special lighting, however, I did find the camera raw filter you suggested last time and I played around and made some adjustments to bring out the brightness on his head.   Posted: 07/12/2024 12:29:22



Pei-Fan Mu   Pei-Fan Mu
It is a beautiful bird. I never hear or see Turaco before, thanks for your sharing. 1/60 F5/6. could get such unique combiation of colors. thanks for your sharing.   Posted: 07/17/2024 02:27:48
Kathy Buckard   Kathy Buckard
This was my first time seeing this bird. Such beautiful colors. Was so thrills to actually catch a good photo of him.   Posted: 07/24/2024 01:36:18



Sarita Yeola   Sarita Yeola
Beautiful photograph of an equally stunning bird! I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks for sharing!   Posted: 07/17/2024 21:33:43
Kathy Buckard   Kathy Buckard
There are many beautiful birds in this conservatory. I was just fortunate to be at the right spot when I notice him fly in. Thanks for your comments.   Posted: 07/24/2024 01:38:18