<< Previous Next >>

Mmm delicious


Mmm delicious
Photo Information
Copyright: Vivian Droog (viv) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 301 W: 3 N: 613] (3062)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-01-08
Categories: Birds
Camera: Konika Minolta Dynax 7D, Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO Ultra DG, Soligor UV
Exposure: f/11, 1/350 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Travelogue: Kruger a palette of Eden, they say.
Date Submitted: 2008-07-16 9:37
Viewed: 331
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
European Roller (Coracias garrulus)

The European roller is a migratory bird that breeds in Europe then winters in southern Africa from Senegal to Cameroon, Ethiopia to Congo to South Africa.

This member of the roller family is 11-13 inches in length with a wingspan from 20-23 inches. Its body is mainly light blue with a warm brown back and black flight feathers. The bill is black. The legs and feet are light yellow. Males and females are similar in appearance. Juveniles are a drabber version of the adults.

Rollers have a varied diet. This includes insects, lizards, small mammals and birds. They perch on branches, posts or overhead wires until prey is sighted then fly down to capture it, with twists and turns that give it the name "roller". Once they've captured their food, they return to their perch where they beat the food against the perch before eating it. Any food that is undigested is regurgitated in the form of pellets.

European rollers are monogamous and breed from May to June. They usually nest in holes in trees or cliffs. Courtship involves high ascents followed by twisting dives that show off their wing colors. This is accompanied by raucous croaking and calling. The nest is unlined and the female lays 2-6 eggs which she alone incubates for 17-19 days. Both parents participate in feeding the hatchlings until they fledge at 25-30 days.

The European roller was place on the Near Threatened list in 2005. They are shot as food by the hundreds or thousands every spring in Oman. They are also hunted for sport & taxidermy due to their pleasing appearance. Use of pesticides reduces their food supply as well.

Thanks for,looking
vanderschelden, siggi, uleko, Alex99, Gert-Paassen, MMM has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hello Viv,
't is nie de 'gewone' Lilac-breasted Roller. De kleuren van de European roller zijn duidelijk anders. Zachter en met meer pastel.
Ziet er lekker uit:-)
Bedankt en groeten
Annick

  • Great 
  • Arjun Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 290 W: 3 N: 715] (3332)
  • [2008-07-16 10:51]

hi vivian
nice picture..captured at great moment.lovely composition too.
i feel there is a lot of noise in the BG
TFS

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2378 W: 164 N: 7139] (22556)
  • [2008-07-16 11:47]

Hello Viv,
What a splendid close-up of this Roller with its prey in the beak. I love the sharp details of the plumage and the colours are beautiful. Very nice tree as a background too and well composed. (A little pity that you missed the end of the tail feathers, but I expect you were too close.)
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 198 W: 2 N: 514] (1936)
  • [2008-07-17 1:33]

Hello Vivian,
Fine capture of the European Roller with first class sharpness, compo., blue sky BG lighting and POV
Regards Siggi

Hallo viv,

Mooie vangst en goed gefogeafeerd.
Jammer dat hij puntje van de staart mist.

Gert

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2991 W: 148 N: 4435] (14369)
  • [2008-07-18 0:25]

Hi Vivian.
What an unusual and nice picture. You managed to catch an amazing bird with prey at so attractive surroundings. Details are tremendous. It is a pity a bit that tip of tails is cut. However, it is not a point. Shot is wonderful. My best wishes.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-07-18 19:40]

Hello Viv

A super pov ,wonderful detail and focus.
The insect in the beak is terrific.
Excellent plumage detail with lovely colours.
I like how you filled the frame with this one.
Great job.
TFS

Rob

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1294 W: 104 N: 4595] (20449)
  • [2008-07-19 13:14]

Hello Vivian! Great bird and great capture taken at the right moment! Great composition and colors, well done, thanks!

Mario

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 737 W: 0 N: 1497] (6754)
  • [2008-07-21 14:38]

Hi Vivian
Nice capture.Good POV and very sharp image with excellent details.
TFS Michel

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF