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World Rarity-endangered


World Rarity-endangered
Photo Information
Copyright: Ivan Kruys (Argus) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2487 W: 132 N: 7075] (22101)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-11-17
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 350D, Canon EF 300 f4L + Canon 1.4 converter
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/1000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-12-02 8:32
Viewed: 790
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is a species of stonechat known as the Canary Islands Chat or Fuerteventura Chat (Saxicola dacotiae).
However, it is not found anywhere in the world except on the island of Fuerteventura where several hundred pairs are estimated to exist.

It is usually found along dry stream-beds, ‘barrancos’, where there is a little vegetation and better invertebrate food availability.

Unfortunately the future of this Chat is threatened by overgrazing by goats and by tourist developments. As it is territorial and does not readily move to seek new areas, this is especially disadvantageous. Protection measures are being attempted, however.


Having looked up the nearest locality on the internet we took a day-trip from Lanzarote that lies about 10 km N. of Fuerteventura, and it wasn’t long before we found it at the almost empty reservoir at Los Molinos in the north.

It was difficult to get a close shot and the morning light was harsh, but the picture of the male on the left shows how it differs from the stonechat. It was taken at a distance of about 25 meters.

The shot of the female was at about the same distance. When I checked the shots later I saw to my dismay that she could only stand on one leg, her right leg being damaged. Despite this, both seemed to be able to keep to their territory and presumably breed.

The PP work on this includes heavy cropping and sharpening.

The result is that TN members have the opportunity to see one of the rarest birds in the world.
cataclysta, blakitan, ramthakur, falke, vanderschelden, coasties has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Ivan
Great idea to post the photo of these great and rare bird with a very good note. Photos like these are important part of treknature. Maybe the most important?
Best wishes
Krzysztof

Hi Ivan,
Thank for sharing this picture of endangered chat. Great tele-shot. Not a razor sharp image, but details are nicely visible.

Ben Lakitan

bonjour ivan
bonne presentation de cet oiseau inconnu pour moi,j'aime bien la position qu'il prend sur la deuxieme partie de l'image.bravo.
laurent

Since we are looking at a species of birds native to only Canary Islands and threatened with extinction, it is pointless to fuss over technicalities in this double picture, Ivan. The colours and features of this pair are quite distinct, though it is a pity the female is crippled in the leg.
Thanks for sharing this precious image.
Ram

  • Great 
  • falke Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 157 W: 17 N: 443] (1590)
  • [2006-12-02 11:01]

How fantastic that you saw this stenskvätta!
Congratulation to you, Ivan!!!!

We have never been to the Canary Island, but some of our friends have been trying to spot this bird.

Thanks for posting it here!
regards/Bengt

hi ivan,
nice compilation,
well composed,
fine pov,
tfs & regards
pankaj

Hi Ivan,
Thanks for sharing the pictures of these rare birds as you mentioned in your note.
Good work!
Regards,
Annick

Hi Ivan

Thanks for the great note! It is always very special to see a post of an endangered species. Although taken from quite a distance you have done a great job. TFS.

Hi Ivan,
a wonderful post with this two good shots.
It's a beautiful bird, thanks for sharing this one with us, bye
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 154 W: 0 N: 123] (661)
  • [2008-07-24 19:45]

Hello Ivan,
Greeting s from me.
Thanks for the ID for my previous butterfly shot - the Staff Sargeant.
Seems youre really a naturalist and indeed a man of great knowledge on this field. You shot of the animals and plants are wonderful.
Beautifully shot and of great composition and expertise.
Thanks for sharing the world with us...and Im really excited looking all your shots.

Regards,
Foozi

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