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White stork


White stork
Photo Information
Copyright: Nel Diepstraten (NellyD) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 236 W: 0 N: 478] (1783)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-07-08
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 350D
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-08-23 2:32
Viewed: 440
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This white stork I photographed at the birdpark Avifauna at Alphen a/d Rijn.
And here some information from wikipedia:

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae, breeding in the warmer parts of Europe (north to Estonia), northwest Africa, and southwest Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan). It is a strong migrant, wintering mainly in tropical Africa, down to the south of South Africa, and also in the Indian Subcontinent.

It is a huge bird, 100-125 cm (40-50 in.) tall, with a 155-200 cm (61-79 in) wingspan and a weight of 2.3-4.5 kg (5-10 lbs). It is completely white except for the black wing flight feathers, and its red bill and legs, which are, however, black on juveniles. It walks slowly and steadily on the ground. Like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched.

White Storks rely on movement between thermals of hot air for sustained long distance flight. The birds take great advantage of thermals during annual migrations between Europe and southern Africa. Normally, this route would take them over the Mediterranean, but since thermals only form over land, storks take a detour. Eastern storks travel over Suez, while hundreds of western ones fly through the straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus. That way, they can get help from the thermals for almost the entire trip and save enormous amounts of energy in the process.

These storks breed in open farmland areas with access to marshy wetlands. It builds a stick nest in trees, on buildings, or special platforms. Because it is viewed as bird of good luck, it is not persecuted, and it often nests close to human habitation. In southern Europe, storks' nests can often be seen on churches and other buildings. It often forms small colonies. Like most of its relatives, it feeds mainly on frogs and large insects, but also young birds, lizards and rodents. It is almost silent except for the noisy mutual bill-clattering when adults meet at the nest.

According to mythology, the 'stork' is responsible for bringing babies to new parents. This story probably came about because White Storks have a habit of nesting on buildings in urban areas, so they are often seen around human habitation.

Lithuanians and Poles believe that storks bring harmony to a family on whose property they nest. The White Stork is the national bird of Lithuania and Poland. It is also - set against a yellow and green background - the symbol of the city of The Hague, The Netherlands.
claudine, jrobertop, gracious, Alex99 has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To claudine: Hey Claudine.....NellyD 1 08-23 08:25
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Critiques [Translate]

Good DOF, Colour and Composition. Like the diagonal line. The eye a little bit dull.

Hello Nel,
Good point of view and a fine portrait!
Fine details in the plumage, and I'm imagining the expression says "...don't come any closer!"
A well composed image with attractive features!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hello Nel,
Long time no see :) I love those birds that I found very elegant! This is a very nice portrait with excellent composition, good details and natural exposure. You are lucky to be able to see those wonderful birds. Thanks,
Claudine

Hi Nel,
Excellent capture!
Very good colors and POV.
It seems to pose for shot.
Well done!
Congratulations!
José Roberto

Hallo Nel,

Good portrait shot of this stork. Good detail and nice pose. Well done.

Jan-Hendrik

  • Great 
  • pvb Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 381 W: 20 N: 522] (1815)
  • [2007-08-23 11:17]

Hi Nel,
Mooi portrait heb je weten vast te leggen. Zeker met witte objecten vind ik het persoonlijk nogal moeilijk, maar je hebt goed gebruik gemaakt van het licht.
Als je deze in een tuin ziet staan met roze of blauwe slingers eraan, dan weet je dat de ouders een paar nachten tegemoet gaan met weinig slaap.
gr. Paula

Hello Nel,
Great portrait of the Stork with good clarity, vivid colour and details
well composed and well seen
cheers
Tony

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3174 W: 154 N: 4796] (15481)
  • [2007-08-29 4:17]

Hi Nel.
You have presented this beautiful bird very well. I am impressed with excellent reproduction of its thoughtful state, amazing white plumage and wonderful shapes. DOF is selected perfectly. Blurred BG underlines the beauty of the well sharpened bird image excellently. Composition is superb. I also like so suitable for this subject soft lighting. Perfect job and TFS.
Alexei.

Hello, Nel!
What a nice guy! I think it is one of my good friends from Podlasie region where I live!Every year almost 2/3 of their world population come to Podlasie in order to bring young and late summer fly with them away to warmer countries. To see you next year!
Tadeusz

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