Oxpecker with Moustache

[Stu Bowie]

During a trip through the Kruger National Park, I managed to capture a rare sighting of an Oxpecker with a moustache. On a serious note, this Oxpecker had ripped out some of the hairs from this Impala Buck and gathered as much as he could, keeping all in his beak together. They use the hair to line their nests. Captured in overcast conditions.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8
1/640
F/7.1
ISO 640

Exp comp +0.33
Hand held from the car

[Mike Poole]

Lovely comical pose, not only with the moustache, but with the raised foot as well - brought a smile to my face!

Mike

[Joseph Przybyla]

Neat image, Stu. Love the perch, the raised foot makes it appear the bird is walking on the Ox/animal's back. Thank you for sharing.

[David Cowling]

I'm surprised the Impala stood for that sort of treatment! Thanks for sharing a bird that I doubt I will ever see. The lifted foot and the moustache make for a really comical image. TFS

[keith mitchell]

That is an almost perfect moustache and a strutting pose,great the way you have caught this Stu.

Keith.

[John Robinson]

Love it ! Great natural history action shot.
Good stuff Stu
John

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for the feedback everyone.

[christopher galeski]

Agree with others a nice comical pose.TFS.

[William Dickson]

Hi Stu, what a great looking image. Beautiful detail and I like the trees in the BG. Love the hairs in the birds beak. :S3:

Will