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Image Description
A group of Hoatzin (pronounced Watson) gathered together to roost for the night in the Amazon basin of Peru’s Manu Biosphere. They are one of the most bizarre bird species I’ve ever encountered, and it’s not only in their appearance. They are the only bird with a ruminant digest track like a cow.
Technical Details
Sony a1, Sony 400mm prime w/1.4 teleconverter, 560mm, f/4, manual exposure, ISO 2500. A small crop with a bit of added canvas at the bottom. Darkened and reduced clarity of the background, brought the light and color out on the birds, all done in a combination of Photoshop and Camera Raw.
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A very cool array, Charles. The Two bottom birds are starting to go a bit soft, but the overall array is amazing. With today’s software you probably could have gotten away with stopping down a bit more and handling any noise in post.
As Dennis says: “A very cool array, Charles”. My first impression was of a living totem pole.
I just read your comments. What an interesting bird. Quite fascinating. Thank you for the information.
I’m guessing these are Hoatzins (not sure how to spell it!) - I think they are rare, and you sure got a lucky seven here! From the thumbnail I first thought they were snails. It looks like they’ve found a good way to catch the sun. I like how their color is set off by the jungle behind too. You could do some small lowering of the sunny highlights on their chests perhaps. But it’s a fascinating limb, to be sure.
Charles, this is a nice image of unusual birds in a interesting position.
For these types of multiple subject, I’m usually at F 10 or
F 13 to get all sharp. Your A1 does great at ISO’s even up to 12-16,000 , with good NR software like DxO Pure Raw 4. I think you’d be amazed.
I agree the highlights would be best lowered.
Cool image!
Hi Charles, first reaction is what a cool sight to see and capture. Really interesting to see the birds all lined up like this. Wondering about the aperture to get the lower birds sharper.
Charles: I’m not a bird guy but this got my attention just from the thumbnail. The capture of the birds is terrific, the DOF concerns notwithstanding. I think I would be tempted to crop or AI away the limb along the right edge of the frame. It does pull my eye away from this very special subject. Great find and a fine capture. >=))>
Charles, this is a great line of birds well captured and presented. In the large view, I do see a few added canvas artifacts along the bottom. Did you use the Generative Fill capabilities of the 2025 version of Photoshop?
I think this is an amazing photograph! The fact that these birds all lined up on the same branch is extremely interesting. I have no idea if this particular type of bird does this often, but to be able to capture them in their natural habitat is terrific!
I like the title–got a good chuckle out of it for sure. Overall sharpness is good and my only suggestion is to reduce the highlights slightly as they are very bright on the birds and perch. Otherwise, a fine capture…Jim
Coming a bit later than the others, but I wanted to express my admiration. It must be quite some planning and acting before you get to see this, let alone take a brilliant picture of it. What a stunning bird. Looking forward of more of this. Xavier
