Jerry Biddlecom
July 2025 - Toucan
About the Image(s)
I can't find the original of this, but I do know that it was taken in the cloud forest near Mindo, Ecuador in 2015. Many different species thrive in this area, and a lot of photographers and birders flock (sorry about the pun ??“ couldn't resist) to this part of Ecuador. This is wild terretory ??“ the birds are free to come and go ??“ but locals do place fruit to attract the birds ??“ and the toucans really love bananas. Since there are many trees and cloudy skies, the birds are surrounded by a soft box lighting effect. Taken with my Nikon D500 with 70-300 mm lens, and since the D500 handles high ISO settings well, this probably was an 800 (or higher) ISO setting. Edited in Camers Raw, then Photoshop CS5.
6 comments posted
Hey Jerry, Love the Toucan, nice pose with eye creating a connection to the viewer, Would be happy to have this on my hard drive. I added a little pop by adding some contrast but just a thought. Bruce Posted: 07/14/2025 23:33:10
What a lovely bird with such striking colours! I really like the eye contact with the viewer, and the fact that it's eating something adds interest and elevates the image. You've framed it well, and I also agree with Bruce's suggestion, the colour contrast works beautifully.
Posted: 07/18/2025 08:23:57
Posted: 07/18/2025 08:23:57
Hi,
This bird Toucan, not seen in India, so far I know, a beautiful bird, its throat is very interesting to see, more over with food. The bird is sitting with perfect pose.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Posted: 07/18/2025 18:14:35
This bird Toucan, not seen in India, so far I know, a beautiful bird, its throat is very interesting to see, more over with food. The bird is sitting with perfect pose.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Posted: 07/18/2025 18:14:35
Wow ... such a colorful capture with blurred background which perhaps could be a bit lighter. Nicely done :) Posted: 07/20/2025 18:51:20
Jerry - Toucans are often rewarding to capture, but this one is especially so - and you caught it with food in its mouth too - well done!
I like your presentation just as is. Posted: 07/25/2025 18:05:16
I like your presentation just as is. Posted: 07/25/2025 18:05:16
Jerry, This bird sure posed nicely for you. Backside views aren't always that interesting but in this case, the red feathers down the back make it quite appealing.
I like that the light is overall soft, there are no bright spots or shadows which can be a challenge with forest birds like this. The blurred background is pleasing.
I like what Bruce did with the contrast in the bird. Those black feathers have a more rich appearance, yet still have plenty of detail. You could apply that contrast selectively to the bird to keep the original brighter background. Posted: 07/25/2025 20:54:23
I like that the light is overall soft, there are no bright spots or shadows which can be a challenge with forest birds like this. The blurred background is pleasing.
I like what Bruce did with the contrast in the bird. Those black feathers have a more rich appearance, yet still have plenty of detail. You could apply that contrast selectively to the bird to keep the original brighter background. Posted: 07/25/2025 20:54:23