When going to Africa one of the favorite targets for birders and bird photographers is the Lilac-breasted Roller. This impossibly beautiful bird is covered in a variety of blue, lilac, white and brown colors. With a long pointed tail it’s a sure crowd pleaser. Our local guide Edward told us that he has been hired by bird photographers for the entire day just so they can take pictures of this special bird.
As we drove along the roads of Kruger National Park in South Africa we kept our eye out for one perched near enough to get some good pictures. After a few distant sightings we finally got our wish – a Lilac Breasted Roller perched right next to the road. The only problem was that it was backlit – the sun was behind the bird so it washed out some of the colors and details. Here’s the best I could get in those conditions.
You can tell it’s hard to see the detail in the head and the body colors look washed out.
After a minute or two of snapping pictures most everybody put down their cameras and were ready to move on. On the other hand, I had noticed that a cloud had covered the sun, which diffused the light – far less backlit! I started taking pictures again and as you can see from the image below, the colors now “pop” and the individual spiky feathers around the face and throat are much more distinctive.
Was it worth the wait? You betcha! By using a bit of patience and recognizing that the light conditions had changed I was able to get a better shot.
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