The Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) is a bird renowned for its remarkable camouflage, which allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. I had the unique opportunity to photograph this fascinating species in Restrepo, Meta, Colombia, just a few blocks from the town’s central park, during an urban birding excursion. Despite the town’s lively atmosphere, Restrepo is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including the highly elusive Great Potoo, which is nearly invisible during the day thanks to its bark-like plumage.
For this shot, I used a Canon R5 paired with an RF 800mm f/11 lens and a 1.4x extender. The Program mode on the Canon R5 automatically selected the shutter speed of 1/180 second, which was ideal for the conditions, considering the long focal length and the need for stability. The aperture was set to f/16, which is the result of the lens being fixed at f/11 and increasing to f/16 with the 1.4x extender. This aperture setting allowed me to maintain a wide depth of field, ensuring sharpness in both the bird and its surrounding environment. I manually chose the ISO 1600 to strike a balance between light sensitivity and noise, as the forest canopy provided limited natural light.
This photograph perfectly captures the Potoo’s intricate plumage and its seamless integration with the tree bark, showcasing the bird’s exceptional ability to hide in plain sight. The moment I captured serves as a reminder of the importance of urban wildlife conservation, as species like the Great Potoo can thrive in urban spaces when given the right environment.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
