Lesser Violetear

Image that demonstrates a name

Sorry, I cannot help myself. Another hummingbird. Often, when I am photographing all birds, but especially hummingbirds, the individual I am concentrating on is less than perfect. By this, I mean the bird is somewhat disheveled either by molting, having mud/debris on its face, or having fight wounds present. It is real-that is the way life is for birds, but it is less than ideal for type of image I am trying to produce. Yes, often I can “clean up” the image in Photoshop, but I prefer to not do that. This bird, a Lesser Violetear, is common in the high elevations of the cloud forest of Costa Rica. It is a very territorial bird, meaning it fights a lot. As a consequence often individual birds have feathers missing, or other visible injuries. This individual struck me, because it is close to perfect, just growing in a few primary flight feathers on its wing. Certainly can see why it is called “violetear”. Shot at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. About 50% FF, very little done in post.