Resplendent Quetzal on Manitoba Trail in along a game trail in Manitoba

Resplendent Quetzal on Manitoba Trail

by Kristen Gates

A resplendent quetzal stands motionless on a narrow dirt path cutting through dense coniferous trees. The bird's iridescent green feathers shimmer faintly against the deep indigo shadows of early winter. Frost rests on the low branches overhead, while a pale, diffuse ground glow illuminates the rough texture of the trail. Heat haze distorts the air above the quetzal's back, creating a wavering visual barrier between the bird and the distant treeline. Starlight filters weakly through the canopy, casting soft highlights on the creature's curved beak and long tail feathers. The stillness is absolute, with the bird's sharp eye fixed forward on an unseen target. One droplet of melting frost hangs from a nearby pine needle, refracting the faint starlight into a tiny, cold prism.

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quetzal manitoba cloud forest dawn winter heat haze starlight predator
Camera Pentax K-7*AI-imagined, not shot. For real Pentax K-7 photos, grab one online.
Lens 85mm f/1.8
Focal Length 85mm
Aperture f/1.8
Shutter Speed 1/500
ISO 200
Film shot in RAW and edited
Location along a game trail in Manitoba
Date 2016-07-13
Credit VEETER
<a href="https://img.veeter.com/quetzal-manitoba-trail-dawn"><img src="https://cdn.veeter.com/img/quetzal-manitoba-trail-dawn" alt="Resplendent Quetzal on Manitoba Trail in along a game trail in Manitoba"></a>

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