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Thread: David and Goliath

  1. #1
    Ákos Lumnitzer
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    Default David and Goliath

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    Well in a way I guess. I captured this Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen) harassing a White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) near my home almost one year ago. It's a case of being in the right place at the right time, even though by accident. Here the Magpie is coming in for another close pass to drive the raptor away from his territory.

    Interesting notes: The Aust. Magpie is in fact a species of Butcherbird, which I have no idea how became its common name. A commonly found and heard relative is the Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus) I find my native Hungarian common name of Fuvolázómadár (roughly translating to Flute playing bird) more appropriate as their calls are rather like a wind instrument being played and are very, very pleasant to the ears. We recently rehabilitated two adult Magpies and one would carol all day long.It was wonderful to hear.

    Now, the Sea Eagle is another character. Not a true eagle as it lacks the 'pants' down to the talons, but apparently a kite. Australia has only two true eagles, the Wedge-tail Eagle (Aquila audax) and the Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides). Sea Eagles are common along rivers, lakes and seashores feeding on birds and fishes and perhaps some smaller mammals, like rabbits. THe Sea Eagle is Australia's second largest bird of prey after the Wedge-tail with a wingspan up to two meters or about 6' 7". It's a giant!

    30D, 300mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4x, ISO 400, f/6.3, 1/1600th, +1/3 comp. Added canvas on left as Magpie's wingtips were clipped.
    Last edited by Ákos Lumnitzer; 04-03-2009 at 04:50 PM.

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