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Big smiley


Big smiley
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1663 W: 111 N: 3514] (11415)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-12-24
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Pentax K100D Super, Sigma 70-300 DG Macro, Digital ISO-400, Matin 58mm UV
Exposure: f/9.5, 1/500 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): My trip to Belize and Costa Rica [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-04-10 4:37
Viewed: 1461
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
CLICK the image for larger version

We had heard that the famous crocodile tour on the Tacoles River was quite good, so we booked in for the afternoon tour and we were not disappointed. The lower Tacoles River has one of the largest crocodile populations in Costa Rica, several hundred. They were everywhere, from babies to this giant 5 metre male basking in the late afternoon sun. If you happen to be in Tacoles on the west coast, make sure you take the trip. It’s not expensive and there are plenty of birds to see along the way. At the half way point, the driver gets out onto the shore and feeds one of these guys with half chicken. That’s right, he stands on the muddy shore, the croc come out of the river and he gives it a chicken.

Don’t believe me, check the WORKSHOP.

American Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are found in Florida, through Central America and the Caribbean islands to northern South America. They live in both fresh water and estuarine environments, from land-locked lakes to mangrove swamps. They are know to swim out to sea, between islands and walk long distances over land. They can also dig long burrows where they can aestivate (=hibernate) through dry summers or during adverse condition.

The estimated total population is between 15,000-20,000. Males typically reach 5 metres in length but there are records of 7 metre males. Diet consists primarily of fish and turtles, with occasional records of domestic pets and stray cattle. There are only a few records of this species attacking humans.

Info from Crocodile natural history and conservation http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cacu.htm
vanderschelden, ralfsworld, boreocypriensis, JPlumb has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Chris,
A big one!
Strange the American crocodile do not attack people while the Nile crocodile does..
Good image!
TFS
Annick

Hello Chris
I have see this guys relatives in Belize with same expression :)
(even chicken show was available too)
Cool shot well presented.
TFS
Ralf

Hi Chris,

good capture from these prehistoric animal.
Sharpness and colors are very good.

Regards Gert

Salut!
Foarte tare poza. imi place tot la ea.
TFS,
Iulian

Hello Chris
Impressionnante cette bestiole.
J'en ai vu en Floride, mais ils étaient plus petis.
Merci
Laurent

Hi friend Chris,
Superb shot my friend. TFS and regards,
Bayram

Awesome shot of this croc Chris. Of course the large post really gives us a good show. He blends in very nicely with that mud. What a scary looking animal. Your detail on this guy is just awesome. W.r.t. your driver, I expect someday, guests will find they'll need to get themselves home. This guy is crazy.

Thanks, John

  • Great 
  • izler Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1262 W: 78 N: 869] (7848)
  • [2008-04-13 9:30]

hello Chris
good capture of this dangerous reptile
i like composition, POV, DOF, light, sharpness and details
TFS
regards
izler

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