Up Close and Very Personal

[John Lowin]

This image was created in the Upper Masi Mara. The Oxpecker birds perform a cleaning service to the large herbivores by removing and eating ticks that feed off of these animals. I have seen them on numerous animals even in the ears and nostrils of Cape Buffalo, but this one was special. Be careful where and how hard you peck! Sorry it's not a more delicate perch. Hope you like my image. C and C welcomed, I'm here to learn. - John

f/8 1/320 ISO 200
Canon 1D MkII
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS USM
hh

[Marina Scarr]

I am in awe of this picture b/c it tells such an amazing story. Even though you are photographing the Oxpecker against a huge animal, it really stands out in this light and composition. You have captured nature at its finest here! Thank you for sharing.

[Dejan Stojanovic]

i really like this- good shot and very engaging.
congrats

[Ed Cordes]

Highly unusual preswentation. I like it a lot. You did a good job of getting detail in the bird in this pose.

[Mike Milicia]

Agree with all of the above ... well seen and captured!

[John Lowin]

I am in awe of this picture b/c it tells such an amazing story. Even though you are photographing the Oxpecker against a huge animal, it really stands out in this light and composition. You have captured nature at its finest here! Thank you for sharing.

Hi Marina, Thank you so much for your kind comments. - John

[Tony Kirkby]

Very special image, well captured!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

HI John

This is an exceptional image illustrating natural behavior. I really like the contrast of David and Goliath here. Such an intimate and special interaction that many people (like me) never (most likely) get to witness if it was not for kind folks like you who share this magical moment. Thank you! :)

[John Lowin]

HI John

This is an exceptional image illustrating natural behavior. I really like the contrast of David and Goliath here. Such an intimate and special interaction that many people (like me) never (most likely) get to witness if it was not for kind folks like you who share this magical moment. Thank you! :)

Thank you Akos, I appreciate your kind words. - John

[John Lowin]

Thank you one and all for your kind comments. - John

[Stu Bowie]

Yep, these oxpeckers are seen on a lot of giraffe's, and expecially buffalo as you mentioned John. You have exposed the OP nicely, and must admit, although I have seen a lot of these guys, never seen one down there. Very well spotted and captured.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Superb! Love it, great and original shot! I wish you could've gotten even closer so to get less DOF and so the Giraffe even mre OOF. Still, love it! Congratualitons!