If this is camouflage, it ain't working!

a.k.a.: Glimpse of a million-dollar bill in the woods or, "You can't run, you can't hide!"

 

Note (added later): I guess this looks so incredible (or my processing is making this look so surreal) that a few viewers are wondering, with just cause, I imagine, if this is a real bird. The answer is this bird as real as a toucan can get. If you look at the EXIF information (listed below), you will realize, I hope, how challenging the light conditions were. I needed a high ISO, a long-ish shutter, and a wide open aperature. Even then, the photo came out begging for post processing. If you have ever seen one these in real life, you know how vivid they are. And, if you have, do you think this looks unnatural?

 

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming . . .

 

Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco) are the largest of all toucan species. They do not fly well, but have strong legs for hopping. They build their nests in holes in trees, and like to spend most of their time in high treetops. When they sleep, toucans place their beak over their back in a defensive stance.

 

Looks very cute on a black background. :-)

 

EXIF:

Model - Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL

ExposureTime - 1/60 seconds

FNumber - 5.60

ISOSpeedRatings - 400

Flash - Not fired

FocalLength - 400 mm

 

Processing:

Uncropped. Saturation, contrast, and levels adjusted.

Done