I am just back from a month in Costa Rica leading a few trips. It is always a real treat to see this spectacular species.
Did you know that to the ancient Aztec and Mayan peoples the Quetzal was a sacred symbol of freedom and wealth. Freedom, because it was believed that a quetzal would not survive in captivity, preferring death to imprisonment; and wealth, because quetzal feathers were worn only by royalty and were more precious even than gold. Quetzals were believed to protect these ancient peoples in battle and are even believed to be the inspiration for the mythical phoenix.
All I know is it is one amazing bird and every time I see one I am amazed at the beauty of nature :)
Camera Model: Canon EOS 7D
Shutter speed: 1/30 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: On
ISO: 640
Focal length: 500mm + 1.4x
Post Processing - Cloned a few branches out of the BG
Absolutely gorgeous!