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Griffon Vulture


Griffon Vulture
Photo Information
Copyright: Andre Scherpenberg (dedsharp) Silver Note Writer [C: 3 W: 0 N: 10] (43)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-03-15
Categories: Birds
Camera: Sony Alpha DSLR A300, Sony 55-200 mm
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/640 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-03-27 1:45
Viewed: 497
Points: 2
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Any dutch could guess that this photo was taken in Avifauna in Alphen a/d Rijn with a glance at the city information.
I've got some pretty sharp ones of the vultures head also, but I thought this is also a nice one showing more of the animals body.
What do you think?

-Physical Characteristics: The Eurasian Griffon is about 100 centimeters long and has body plumage which is predominantly brown. Wings and tail are black while the neck and head are of a white down. The base of the neck has a collar of creamy white feathers and the bird is able to withdraw its entire two-foot long neck and head into this ruff. Immature birds can be easily distinguished as this collar remains brown until maturity. The Eurasian Griffon croaks, growls and whistles, but will do so only at feasts and in family groups. Flight is always done in complete silence.

Food: Carrion. Despite its large size, this bird seldom kills its food and usually will not touch prey showing any signs of life. The interesting question is how does the vulture know an animal is dead and not simply resting? The answer to this is not known, however it is possible the birds simply 'mark' any animal which is lying separate from the main flock. The next day the animal is still there so the vulture circles lower and sees no sign of movement. Our vulture continues to circle and watch, the next day dropping low enough to look for the slightest eye movement or signs of breathing. Finding none the vulture lands a short distance away and stands erect with its neck stretched out, peering intently at the dead animal. By this stage a large group of vultures will be circling overhead, ready to join in the feast. Our lone vulture hops forward, takes a peck at the carcass and leaps back, always ready to take flight if the animal moves. When it does not the vulture throws himself on the body. This process is thought to take a minimum of two days, often longer.-
Source:
http://www.vulture-territory.com/eurasian.html
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Critiques [Translate]

Hallo Andre
Although this image is a bit soft at some places it is actually a great image. You have captured the detail in the facial area well and especially the eye and the fluffy fine feathers on the head of this Griffon is well seen. This bird of prey has beautiful feathers and the patterns and markings in black and white is striking. Thanks for sharing. Best regards. Anna

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