Secretary Bird by danob
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This is the only member of the family Sagittariidae. It is a large bird of open country, savannah and steppe, which can be seen stalking across the plains in search of rodents, reptiles, large insects and, famously, snakes. It has a surprisingly powerful kick which it uses to stamp on larger prey. In addition to its normal "raptor" type diet it is also attracted to bush and grass fires, where it feeds on the small animals which fail to escape the blaze. Although it is usually seen walking it does have very large, broad wings and is an accomplished flyer, using thermals to gain height and soar across distances. Secretary Birds are territorial, normally occupying areas of around 45-50 square kilometres, interestingly in Kenya they occupy smaller territories. One of the best places to see it is in Samburu, away from the river in the dry open scrub country near the hills. If you live in the UK please try the Hawk Conservancy near Andover where this lovely bird resides
Thanks to my best mate Jimry for the loan of his 70-200 L f2.8 while my 100-400 L is in hospital
Comments (49)
Wowza, most impressive dedication to Jim, this perfectly timed capture of this secretary bird opposing the snake! Whew! Love the tension in this shot! Excellent work, Danny! :)
A fantastic photo. A most unusual bird. Is the snake real? Thanks for the information. I always enjoy reading about the species you photograph.
lucky you, such a strong look, I love the orange around its eyes...lovely feathers too, haha...and mmmmmmmmmmm I think its not a real snake, am I right? Gorgeous shot
Great shot... you captured the perfect moment...!!!!!!!!!!! V
I keep without voice ! Stunning pic ! And I adore your explanations that i thank you ! I V for this marvel shot you share
an amazing catch! :]
Excellent catch is right! Beautiful!!
I cannot believe the photos you get! I'm so jealous!! Arg! :) In a loving sort of way! LOL! VOTE VOTE VOTE
Always is delightful to see your artworks!!!!
a brilliant shot... great capture!!!
Is this for real! WTF? What a pretty predator....I have never seen or even heard of this bird before!
Fantastic pose ! Congratulations, Danny, for your selection in LWitG ["Last Week in the Galleries" http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12379&Form.ShowMessage=2581561 ] : totally deserved ! :~)
wowww..what an incredible shot
Congrats on making LWinG! This shot is incredible and amazing and everything else! +++
WOWZA! This is a once in a lifetime capture! Incredible detail and compostion, the moment is frozen in time perfectly. Would be right at home in National Geographic! Superbly done!
This is beyond amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! Amazing capture!
i thought i commented on this already!! beautiful shot !! i love it its truley amazing BRAVO!!
Without doubt the timing is awesome!!