The Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) is a remarkable bird, known for its stunning iridescent plumage, which changes from vibrant greens to purple hues as it catches the light. I had the privilege of photographing this beautiful species in Restrepo, Meta, Colombia, a town nestled just a few blocks from the central park. Restrepo is a unique blend of urban and natural spaces, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Colombia. Despite its proximity to urban areas, the region remains a haven for wildlife, including the Green Ibis, which is commonly found near wetlands and tropical forests.
To capture this moment, I used my Canon R5 paired with an RF 800mm f/11 lens and a 1.4x extender. The Canon R5 provided the sharpness and clarity needed to capture the iridescent colors of the ibis while maintaining a natural, balanced exposure. The Program mode on the camera automatically selected a 1/125 second shutter speed, which was perfect for the bird’s stillness, allowing me to avoid motion blur and preserve the bird’s details. I manually selected ISO 1600 to account for the dim light filtering through the dense forest canopy, ensuring a clean image with minimal noise. The aperture was set to f/16, which is the result of the lens’s fixed aperture at f/11 and the 1.4x extender, ensuring that both the bird and its environment were in focus with a sufficient depth of field.
The result was a photograph that highlights the Green Ibis’ striking plumage and intricate details, set against the vibrant backdrop of Restrepo’s tropical environment. Capturing this bird in such a unique urban setting reminded me of the importance of conservation efforts and the role urban areas can play in providing safe habitats for wildlife. Restrepo is a shining example of how communities and nature can coexist, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to witness such diverse wildlife in a semi-urban environment.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
