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Post by Nilo Arribas Jr. on Apr 8, 2012 12:42:23 GMT
This is probably one of the most challenging photo opportunity in an open/flat terrain for me. It was raining continuously for most of the day which necessitate the use of rain boots, poncho and/or umbrella in order to have at least a fighting chance of seeing birds in the drenched forest/foliage. In one of our stopovers, the heavy rains forced me to seek shelter in a small abandoned hut. My lens and camera were also covered from the rain while mounted on the tripod.
It was during a heavy downpour that I noticed a pair of Writhed Hornbill in one of the tall trees. They were not in this spot earlier and I'm sure they will not stay long in the open because hunting is very much prevalent in this area. With very little time to spare I slowly move my tripod in a position, open an umbrella in front of the lens hood, raised the lens with my right hand and started taking shots. This was accomplished while the my left hand was holding the umbrella still against the rain and wind. My head and shoulders were completely drenched because the umbrella's diameter was not enough to cover the entire length of the lens and my body.
The photos below are some of the frames captured during this memorable encounter with this endemic hornbill.
Thanks for viewing.
Writhed Hornbill [Aceros leucocephalus]
Eastern Mindanao, Philippines
Writhed Hornbill, male
Canon 40D + 600mm f/4 IS, f/8, 1/125Sec, ISO-400, Tripod
Writhed Hornbill, female
Canon 40D + 600mm f/4 IS, f/7.1, 1/25Sec, ISO-500, Tripod
Writhed Hornbill, male
Canon 40D + 600mm f/4 IS, f/8, 1/100Sec, ISO-400, Tripod
Writhed Hornbill, female
Canon 40D + 600mm f/4 IS, f/8, 1/100Sec, ISO-400, Tripod
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Post by Steve Albano on Apr 8, 2012 12:51:35 GMT
an instant favorite! Truly a memorable experience. Thanks for sharing.. .
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Post by Tirso Paris on Apr 8, 2012 12:59:03 GMT
Nice, nice captures!
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Post by Ely Teehankee on Apr 8, 2012 13:29:58 GMT
It will indeed be very memorable. I remember seeing these birds in Bislig when we were together but it was just too far away to take any decent pictures. I had the privilege of taking their pictures at the Breeding Farm in Bacolod a few months ago. Although my pictures are very clear it is still not the same as capturing them in the wild. The satisfaction is far much better when there is more difficulty. Well done Nilo & Mabuhay.
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Post by Mark Itol on Apr 8, 2012 14:31:36 GMT
Wow! I was visualizing your situation as I was reading your narration. Tough shot indeed but you managed to pull it off, with very nice outcome at that! Big congrats Nilo. Very memorable shots indeed!
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Post by luisitoco on Apr 8, 2012 16:51:47 GMT
No regrets getting soaked in the rain if you get to bag these beautiful photos. Congrats Sir Nilo!
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Post by Ramon Quisumbing on Apr 9, 2012 5:50:56 GMT
Superb work, Nilo. Great captures of hard-to-find hornbills.
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Post by William Lim on Apr 9, 2012 7:56:50 GMT
Great capture, Nilo. Only a real birdnut can do what you have done.
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Post by Jeniel Buday on Apr 9, 2012 8:22:39 GMT
a very detailed capture sir!
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Post by steve pryor on Apr 9, 2012 11:37:58 GMT
Splendid captures.
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Post by Lydia Robledo on Apr 9, 2012 12:47:23 GMT
Congratulations, Nilo! When it rains, it pours! You are one lucky birder!
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Post by Sylvia Ramos on Apr 10, 2012 5:37:57 GMT
Wohhhhh and Wowwwww! Great, great shots! Big congrats Nilo!! Really amazing shots and story!!
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Post by Tonji Ramos on Apr 10, 2012 6:14:58 GMT
Oh man. Now that is what wild bird photography is all about. Super.
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Post by Clemn A. Macasiano Jr. on Apr 10, 2012 14:00:37 GMT
What can I say ... Well done Nilo.
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Post by Tateo Osawa on Apr 11, 2012 3:48:36 GMT
Nice shots of beautiful hornbill Nilo. I like the background mood and red face color on the second photo.
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Post by Neil Konrad III on Apr 12, 2012 3:08:49 GMT
Nice!  I would gladly get drenched in a downpour just for a chance to photograph these birds!  |
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