At my recent visit to the National Bird of Prey Centre they displayed a Secretary Bird, who has the most amazing eyelashes and lovely orange colouration to the head. They are a fascinating Bird who feed on snakes as a part of their diet and kill them by kicking them to death with heavy blows to the snakes head with its short taloned... but incredibly powerful feet
Alas the shot is tight in the frame as I only just got all of the L-H side of the head in the frame as I was trying to get an angle that showed the long lashes, in one of my attempts at Portrait shots of Birds of Prey
John
Of all your wonderful images.....I believe this one is the most fascinating. I use the Secretary bird when I teach about evolution and adaptations. This is the first image of those "Hollywood" eyelashes. Tight is the perfect composition for this one.....a real winner. I may have to sell the 300mmL f/2.8 IS before I even get to use it just to come over and "have a go at all your great birds".
Living in the midwest, this is the first time I've ever seen such a bird and it is beautiful! Your image really pops with clarity and detail. I feel like I could reach right out and touch those eyelashes!
Looking at the thumbnail it looked very odd, but seeing this...wow, it almost has a coyness usually seen only in fashion photos. It also have a very femanine feel to it, very cool perspective. The Denver Zoo has a few pairs of these guys, and they are very cool indeed.
Hey John,
Great as always...This is a very beautifull lady...look at the long lashes...wow...:D The close up and details are out of this world. Congrats John, keep them coming...:D
Secretary Bird
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