Bearded Vultures

[Chris van Rooyen]

The immature Bearded Vultures at Giant's Castle often indulge in aerial acrobatics. I'm not sure what it means, but it seems to have a hierarchical function - they try to dominate each other, sometimes even resulting in brief claw locking and spiralling. These two did not go to that extreme, but the one at the back (the older bird) constantly shadowed the younger one, preventing it from landing and feeding.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:05:07 10:18:04
Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Focal length: 500mm

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very interesting behavior captured and thanks for the explanation. The similar poses and eye contact makes this one for me, great BG, too.

[Maxis Gamez]

Amazing light and action. I like the red eye and wings!

[Loukie Viljoen]

Very well captured Chris.

[Robert Amoruso]

Chris,

Nice work getting two similar positions on the wings and the eyes are electric. BG complements them well and appears to be mountains giving a hint of their environment.

[Fabs Forns]

Thanks for the read! What impresses me most is the sensation of vastness in the BG, although the acrobatics are great too.

[Doug Brown]

Looks like a big brother/ little brother interaction to me. I always enjoy your stories explaining your photographic submissions. Thanks for posting.

[Steve Wheeler]

Superb image and story. As if the birds weren't enough the BG really gives one a sense of space and height!

Steve