This image captures the majestic Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) perched gracefully in its natural habitat, amidst the misty forests of Roncesvalles, Tolima, Colombia. The parrot’s vibrant yellow ear patches stand out against the lush green foliage, a testament to the beauty and resilience of this endangered species. As a photographer dedicated to capturing the delicate balance between wildlife and conservation, this photograph holds special meaning. The Yellow-eared Parrot, once on the brink of extinction, is now experiencing a hopeful resurgence thanks to the dedicated conservation efforts in this region.
To achieve this shot, I used my Canon R5 paired with an RF 800mm f/11 lens and a 1.4x extender, providing me with a focal length of 1120mm. The camera settings were crucial, as the light in the early hours of the morning was low, and I needed to ensure sharpness while maintaining detail in the bird’s feathers. The image was taken with a shutter speed of 1/45 second at f/16, ISO 3200. The R5’s stabilization technology allowed me to capture this incredibly slow shutter speed without any noticeable camera shake, even at such a long focal length.
The early morning mist added an ethereal atmosphere to the image, and I made sure to set a low ISO to preserve fine details in the shadows. By balancing these settings carefully, I was able to achieve the clarity and sharpness necessary to showcase this iconic bird against its misty backdrop.
As a photographer, it is always a privilege to capture a species like the Yellow-eared Parrot in such an intimate and impactful way. I hope this image inspires others to appreciate the beauty of conservation and the importance of protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.
©2024 Adam Rainoff Photographer
