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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 8, 2010 1:44:20 GMT
I went to San Gerardo once again today and this time, I made sure that I will be able to capture this elusive bird. I left my place at around 4:00am and had to drive through thick mountain fog. The place is only about 2 hours away but the terrain is one of the most difficult to drive. I hired an experienced guide this time and he brought me to places where the quetzals have been staying. To my surprise, we saw SEVERAL PAIRS! But it is really quite difficult to photograph them because they normally stay out of the sunlight. In addition, they are always in the move. I will post more pics in the coming days.. 400mm, 1/100s, ISO400 400mm, 1/100s, ISO400 400mm, 1/50s, ISO800
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Post by Bobby Kintanar on Feb 8, 2010 2:06:05 GMT
Wow, all excellent photos! Great job! :-)
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Post by tina mallari on Feb 8, 2010 5:26:44 GMT
WHOAAAAAAAA What a beautiful bird !!!! Wonderful capture Ariel
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Post by Edwin Matias on Feb 8, 2010 8:41:46 GMT
Thumbs Up.. Ariel.... Great Capture....
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Post by Ely Teehankee on Feb 8, 2010 9:40:28 GMT
You did it!!! You were able to capture the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful bird in the world if not the most. Bravo!!! I am so happy for you and also so happy for myself that I know the person who took these beautiful pictures. I am inspired to go birding and find myself some beautiful birds if there will be any. Very well done Ariel. Mabuhay. The first Filipino that I know to capture this most beautiful bird.
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Post by Edu Lorenzo Jr on Feb 8, 2010 11:52:26 GMT
I not really a big fan of birds outside the Philippines but this one got my attention. Nice work ariel!
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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 8, 2010 23:44:34 GMT
Thanks a lot Bob, Tina, Edwin, Edu and Ely. It took two trips, mountanous terrains and dangerous curves before I was able to get even some decent pictures and I am really happy for your appreciation.
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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 9, 2010 0:04:08 GMT
You did it!!! You were able to capture the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful bird in the world if not the most. Bravo!!! I am so happy for you and also so happy for myself that I know the person who took these beautiful pictures. I am inspired to go birding and find myself some beautiful birds if there will be any. Very well done Ariel. Mabuhay. The first Filipino that I know to capture this most beautiful bird. I'm so happy with the outcome, Ely! After the trip, I immediately processed the pics to be able to share with you and to our friends here in PBPF. I am not sure if I am the first one although I do not know anyone else who has taken a picture of this. It would be good if I am the first hehe.. ;D Meanwhile, here is a picture of a female quetzal. Thanks a LOT!
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Post by Tonji Ramos on Feb 9, 2010 1:58:02 GMT
What a fantastic bird. Great colors and wow what a tail. Super photos.
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Post by Mark Itol on Feb 9, 2010 4:45:06 GMT
Wow, the famous Quetzal. Such a beautiful bird, and you captured it nicely, too. Thanks for sharing. This bird must be tough to frame thanks to its exceptionally long tail.
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Post by Sylvia Ramos on Feb 9, 2010 6:52:12 GMT
What a fabulous bird! Congrats on the great pictures Ariel!
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Post by Ely Teehankee on Feb 9, 2010 9:23:19 GMT
Even if the female bird is not as good looking as the male it is still a beautiful bird. Good that you were able to photograph both of them. To me that is the most prized bird in the world so keep your raw file with several back ups. I would suggest having the 3rd picture printed as it has a complete tail and have it framed so that you can put it on your office desk or wall. Its really a trophy. Congratulations again. Well done Ariel. Mabuhay.
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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 9, 2010 14:07:12 GMT
Thank you Sylvia and Tonji. It would have been nice if I capture a video too! It's awesome when you see them fly!
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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 9, 2010 14:12:41 GMT
Wow, the famous Quetzal. Such a beautiful bird, and you captured it nicely, too. Thanks for sharing. This bird must be tough to frame thanks to its exceptionally long tail. Thanks, Mark! Indeed it was very difficult to frame because of its tail and dark sorroundings. There was a time when the bird was a bit close and I had no other choice but to cut a few centimeters of its tail.
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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 9, 2010 14:18:26 GMT
Even if the female bird is not as good looking as the male it is still a beautiful bird. Good that you were able to photograph both of them. To me that is the most prized bird in the world so keep your raw file with several back ups. I would suggest having the 3rd picture printed as it has a complete tail and have it framed so that you can put it on your office desk or wall. Its really a trophy. Congratulations again. Well done Ariel. Mabuhay. Thanks a lot Ely for your suggestions. I have a 1 terabyte of external hardisk I bought recently from US and I am backing up most of my works there. When we went out last December, I learned many ideas from you such as taking raws, sun postion and even processing. I am using those to the great extent. Thank you very much.
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Post by Bob Kaufman on Feb 9, 2010 17:47:02 GMT
Wow, Ariel, those pictures are worthy of a magazine cover! I am so envious! Too bad we won't be able to make it to Costa Rica - all the bird tours are fully booked! So we'll just enjoy your postings and pretend we're there with you.
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Post by Romy Ocon on Feb 9, 2010 22:48:07 GMT
Amazingly beautiful bird nicely captured, big congrats Ariel!
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Post by Ariel Matias on Feb 10, 2010 2:03:24 GMT
Wow, Ariel, those pictures are worthy of a magazine cover! I am so envious! Too bad we won't be able to make it to Costa Rica - all the bird tours are fully booked! So we'll just enjoy your postings and pretend we're there with you. Thanks, Bob. I can understand why all tours are fully booked because January-March are the best times to come here in Costa Rica. After that period, its all wet until November. Thanks for viewing and appreciation.
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Post by Toto Gamboa on Feb 14, 2010 16:16:57 GMT
Wow. This is one gifted bird. He almost had all the feather features most birds should have. Great shot Ariel!
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Post by Evanjohnn Mendoza on Feb 20, 2010 1:12:23 GMT
The first time I ever read about the Quetzal was in the Childcraft book 10 years ago. It was said to be endangered and here I am seeing actual pictures of this. Thank you for sharing this living phoenix of a bird!
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