Torrent Tryannulet: San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, December 2022 — The Savegre River has carved a sharp steep valley out of the Pacific side of the Talamanca Mountains which has become a major birding destination for it relaiabe population of Resplendent Quetzels. But of course it it rich in other mountain and cloud forest species as well. The Torrent Trannulet is one of the most specialized flycatchers in the world. It needs fast flowing, tumbling, rocky river beds with the cleanest water…just what the Savegre provides. You can generally find a few between the lodges at the end of the road where it runs next to the stream. They are not always as cooperative as this one which we found right under a bridge. Sony Rx10iv at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Pixelmator Pro and Apple Photos. ISO 100 @ f4 @ 1/1000th and 1/640th. Minus .7EV Wide shot, iPhone SE2.
Indian Spot Billed Duck: Sultanpur National Park, Rajasthan, India, March 2023 — We were to see Spot Billed Duck in almost every open patch of water larger than a village tank every where we went in Rajasthan. (And I think they only avoided the tanks because they were usually clogged with floating plastic bottles.) Certainly the most common duck in Rajasthan. A really a beautiful bird! This one came close enough so that I could pretty much clean the murk out of the image and present the bird as it might have appeared on a somewhat clearer day. Sony Rx10iv at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Pixelmator Pro and Apple Photos. ISO 400 @ f4 @ 1/500th. Plus .3EV.