Hitching a ride

[Steve Kaluski]

Taken within an estimated heard of around 300 Cape Buffalo, something of this size creates a wealth of opportunity and a gourmet meal for these Ox peckers. I guess it's a symbiotic relationship, the Buffs attract the flies, the OP's eat them and provide a small rest bite from the irritations they cause. Again, similar to the wildlife image I posted, I love the textures that the Buffs have and the light. BKG is a bit of a mess, but I think to start to change or alter it would be a nightmare. Perhaps the 'ultimate/natural' perch, LOL?????

BTW I have no idea where that branch came from!

Thanks again to those that posted/commented on the previous image.

Steve

Subject: Ox Pecker on Cape Buffalo horn (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 500f/4 with 1.4 HH
Exposure: 1/400s at f/9 ISO1600 EV 0
Original format: Landscape, almost FF

[Paul Click]

Love the image, especially the feeling of strength given by the horn. Oxpeckers have also been observed to open new wounds and enhance existing ones in order to drink the blood of their perches.

[William Dickson]

Lovely image Steve. The bill on this bird looks perfect for purpose. I think the branch brings a natural look. The bird and horn perch are perfect, apart from the HA . Well done.

[Marina Scarr]

I absolutely love what you were going for here. All of the details, character and texture in the "perch" are wonderful. It's the perfect perch and the bird pop against it. While I love the concept of this image it isn't working for me b/c of the BG, esp the dividing line of the BG so close to the bird's head.

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool Steve! love the "perch"

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Steve,

Don't know how I missed this, I guess I was preoccupied with fixing my heron image...

You have captured something really special here, the buffalo horn makes a great perch and the light is beautiful. Lovely detail everywhere and I envy this 3D feel, would not change anything and the BG is quite cool, I think

Warmest regards,