Maribou Stork

[Stu Bowie]

I captured this image from a hide at the same location as the Vultures. This Maribou Stork was picking up bits and pieces left lying around from the Vultures, and I waited for him to walk into the open away from the feeding Vultures close by. You will notice the white legs - not their natural colour. These birds have the habit of pooping down their legs to cool themselves off. I can think of better ways to cool off.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 100-400 @ 310mm
1/2000
F/8.0
ISO 640

Hand held from the hide

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Stu, like the framing here, with the subject being slightly smaller in frame and the hint of trees in the BKG. Well timed with the open beak and tasty morsel just about to disappear down. Well handled with the Black & Whites, agree on the behaviour aspect, just adds to the challenge of retaining detail in the legs!!! They do deserve their nickname - 'The Undertaker'.

Nice one Stu.

TFS
Steve

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - Great timing! Nice job on the exposure with good detail. Interesting about the legs and I agree with you, much better ways to stay cool!

TFS,
Rachel

[John Whaley]

Good capture. It looks like a good exposure with sharp focus. I like the change in BG at the top. I have never heard of this behavior and don't think I will put it on my bucket list to witness.

[David Salem]

I have always thought these big birds were pretty gnarly. I have watched Many videos on National Geo over the years as they inhaled everything from mammals, amphibians, fish to birds and carrion too.
The interesting fact about cooling off makes perfect sense. Nature is awesome.
Well captured and thanks for the info Stu.

[keith mitchell]

Stu you would not get any marks for cuteness with this bird ,love the way you have caught the open beak pose and the bird itself is nicely detailed and sharp.

Keith.

[gail bisson]

Excellent behavior captured!
These guys are sooo...ugly but I loved seeing them when I was in SA.
Gail

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Always appreciated.