|
|
|
Back again (Great Hornbill)
 |
| Photo Information |
Copyright: Nick Acutt (nick27)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 73 W: 10 N: 141]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (516) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-09-23 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Camera: Panasonic Lumix LZ1 |
| Exposure: f/3.5, 1/160 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2007-10-07 2:23 |
| Viewed: 502 |
| Points: 10 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
I took this at the cotswold wildlife park. Sorry that I have not posted in ages I haven't had the time or a computer! I should be back for good now so please critique. I will try and return your critiques.
The Great Hornbill, Buceros bicornis also known as Greater Indian Hornbill, is the largest member of the hornbill family. Great Hornbill is distributed in the forests of India, the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, Indonesia. Their impressive size and colour have helped make them a part of local tribal cultures and rituals. The Great Hornbill is long-lived with a lifespan approaching 50 years in captivity.
The Great Hornbill is a large bird, nearly four feet tall with a 60-inch wingspan, tail feathers reaching 36 inches and a weight of approximately six pounds. The most prominent feature of the hornbill is the bright yellow and black casque on top of its massive bill. The casque is hollow and serves no known purpose (“tame” hornbills are known to enjoy having them scratched) although they are believed to be the result of sexual selection. Male hornbills have been known to indulge in aerial casque butting flights. Females are smaller than males and have blue instead of red eyes. The male spreads the preen gland secretion which is yellow onto the primaries to give them the bright yellow colour.
Female hornbills build nests in hollows of large tree trunks and the opening is sealed with feces, wood bark, and dirt. She remains imprisoned in her nest until the chicks are semi-developed relying on the male to bring her food. During this period the female undergoes a complete moult. She is fed by her mate through a slit in the seal. The clutch consists of one or two eggs she incubates for 38-40 days.
In the wild, the Great Hornbill's diet consists mainly of fruit. It will also eat small mammals, birds, lizards, snakes and insects.
The Great Hornbills form monogamous pair bonds and live out their lives in groups of 2-40 individuals. Group courtship displays involving up to 20 birds have been observed.
Thanks for your critiques,
Nick :-) |
PaulH, eqshannon, Alex99 has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
|
- PaulH
(11791)
- [2007-10-07 4:27]
- [+]
Hi Nick,
good to see you back and a great shot to return with. Nice bright colour with some good detail in that very worn looking but impressive bill. Good eye contact too.
tfs
Paul
A very nice comeback into the TN world. Very colorful. I could use it for a color test pattern:-) Very nice picture Nick. Glad your computer is working once more.
Bob
Great colors here!
Nice detail and a great portrait style composition!
-
- Alex99
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3245 W: 154 N: 4948]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(15933) - [2007-10-09 0:39]
- [+]
Hi Nick.
You managed to created an amazing picture of this beautiful bird. Composition and framing of the shot are perfect. I am also impressed with wonderful rich colours, excellent details of the bird and its scenery. Well done and my kind regards.
Alexei.
-
- joey
(23242)
- [2007-10-09 6:09]
- [+]
Hello Nick,
a stunning capture of this Hornbill.
+++ Very good lighting... I love the saturated colours. Excellent sharpness and decent clarity. Great composition.
--- Nothing :)
Well done,
Joe
