Upopa epops (Hoopoe)

Upopa epops (Family: Upupidae; common name: Hoopoe)

Two photos of the bird at large. The hoopoe population in our area is steadily increasing and we can now see 2 or even 3 of them at the same time. A magnificent bird with a characteristic flight pattern.

Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO100
Shutter speed: 1/400, f3.5 Aperture priority
Flash:None
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS2, levels adjusted, USM added and resized

Hoopoe Close ups

With its long nose, the "earth" pastel colors and its peculiar way of flying (almost like a butterfly) this is one cute little guy. Almost always on the move, either flying or searching the ground for food, it seldom takes a moment to relax. When it did, there I was with my camera (top photo) although I also enjoyed taking pictures of him while on the ground.

Since the bird preferred to search for food under a bush I had to crawl on hands and knees in order to be in level with it. I don't know what the other visitors of the park thought when they saw me lying there but I got the photos and this is what matters to me.

Photo by George J. Reclos

Shooting Data:

Top and bottom photos:
Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/180 (middle) 1/250 sec (bottom), f/8, Aperture priority mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL mode
Image: RAW, converted in Photoshop CS, sharpening and contrast adjusted, saved in JPEG, levels adjusted, cropped + USM added.

Middle photo:
Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO100
Shutter speed: 1/125 sec, f/6.3, Aperture priority mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL mode
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized.