Montezuma Oropendola Landing at an Arenal Watermelon Feeder

A Montezuma Oropendola drops toward sliced watermelon with broad wings lifted, chestnut body suspended and yellow tail flared behind at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa in Costa Rica. The chestnut body, dark head, pale facial patch, colourful bill and yellow-sided tail identify one of Costa Rica's most conspicuous colonial icterids. The exposure of 1/3200 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 6400 freezes the decisive body position and separates the principal wing and tail feathers while retaining only fine traces of motion at the fastest edges; the photograph was made in natural light without flash.