View allAll Photos Tagged Restrepo,
Nombre común: Tangara golondrina, Azulejo golondrina
Nombre científico: Tersina viridis
Nombre en inglés: Swallow Tanager
Nombre alemán: Schwalbentangare
Nombre francés: Tersine hirondelle
Lugar de la foto: Reserva Natural Camana, Restrepo, Meta, Colombia
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I was lucky to encounter a manakin lek during my recent visit to Colombia. There were several of these guys hopping about, with much wing-clicking and vocalizing. They perform in the very dense forest understory, so finding and photographing them is quite challenging. But I spent 2 or 3 hours with them, so eventually got a few open shots.
More photos from Colombia can be found here.
If you're thinking of going, consider Daniel Uribe as your guide. I would have been lost without his expert birding skills.
The Gilded Barbet (Capito auratus) is a striking bird of the lowland forests of South America, often found perched among fruiting trees in its tropical habitat. This image was captured in Restrepo, Meta, Colombia, a region where the richness of birdlife thrives even in semi-urban settings. The barbet’s bold black and yellow plumage contrasts beautifully with the muted greens of its surroundings, while its deep red eye and intricate feather patterns add a level of intensity to its expression. Though common in its range, every wild species plays a role in its ecosystem, benefiting from conservation efforts that sustain biodiversity.
Photographically, this shot required careful composition and exposure control. Using a Canon R5 with an RF 800mm f/11 lens and a 1.4x extender, I shot at 1/125 second, f/16, and ISO 1600, balancing depth of field with available light. The natural diffused lighting softened harsh shadows, allowing the intricate details of the bird’s feathers to stand out without losing contrast. The shallow depth of field isolated the subject from the background, drawing attention to the barbet while maintaining a natural setting. Capturing fine detail while keeping a smooth background was essential to making this image work.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
This image features the Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis), captured in Restrepo, Meta, Colombia. Known for its iridescent green and purple feathers, the ibis stands out beautifully against the vibrant backdrop of the lush Colombian environment. The bird was perched delicately on a tree branch, where its sleek silhouette contrasted against the soft light filtering through the canopy. The calm, tranquil atmosphere of the scene was a perfect match for capturing the bird’s elegant form and reflective plumage.
In terms of technique, I used a Canon R5 with a 800mm f/11 lens and a 1.4x extender to maintain the required reach while preserving image clarity. The f/16 aperture ensured that both the bird and its environment were in focus, while the ISO 1600 helped balance the low light of the forest. The resulting sharpness and depth allow the vibrant plumage and the bird’s intricate textures to come through vividly. Capturing such a shot in the wild, with the ibis being perfectly positioned, required patience, but the payoff was worth it.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
I photographed an immature Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica) in Restrepo, in the Department of Meta, Colombia. The bird was stepping carefully across dense leaf litter along the water’s edge, its plumage glowing with a mix of iridescent greens, golds, and vivid blues. The oversized yellow legs and long toes are striking features, adapted for walking on floating vegetation, and they added both visual drama and compositional weight to the frame. The dark backdrop of decaying leaves contrasted sharply with the bird’s brilliance, creating a natural stage that highlighted its colors without distraction.
From a technical perspective, I worked at a low angle to maintain alignment with the bird’s eye and kept depth of field narrow enough to isolate the subject while still retaining the texture of the environment. The subdued lighting under the canopy required higher ISO and steady timing, as the bird moved quickly through shadows. For me, this photograph reflects the challenge of blending natural behavior, challenging conditions, and technical discipline to create an image that feels both dynamic and balanced.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
Captured in Restrepo, Meta, Colombia, this image features the Straight-billed Woodcreeper (Dendroplex picus) in its natural habitat. The bird’s rich brown plumage and striking features are beautifully highlighted as it clings to the tree, showcasing its unique adaptations for climbing. The blurred background offers a soft, natural bokeh effect, allowing the bird to remain the focal point of the composition. The subject’s sharp textures are in stark contrast to the soft greenery surrounding it.
Technically, I used a Canon R5 with a long lens setup, taking full advantage of the 800mm f/11 lens with a 1.4x extender to achieve a detailed and crisp image at a distance. The lighting was soft, giving the bird’s feather patterns a smooth and natural appearance. The photo was taken at 1/180 sec to ensure sharpness and minimize motion blur, while I manually selected an ISO of 1600, balancing the need for proper exposure with the fine details in the shadowed parts of the image. The overall composition reflects my goal of capturing this bird’s natural beauty while minimizing distractions in the background.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
