| Side-by-Side Top-Bottom |
| Actual Image
Whose that Birdy in the Water? (107)
soccer
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 550 W: 0 N: 538]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (1965) | Scopus umbretta
Other Names
Hammerhead, Hammer-headed Stork Ombrette africaine Hammerkopf Avemartillo Skuggstork Hamerkop Umbretta, Uccello martello
World: Afrotropical, widespread S of 15°N.
The Hamerkop is a distinctive bird which is in a Family (Scopidae) all on its own. It has variously been grouped with herons, storks and the shoebill. However recent thinking links it to waders and shorebirds.
Its enigmatic taxonomy matches its behaviour, particularly when it comes to nest building. Hamerkop nests are massive, they average 1.5m in depth and are almost as wide, the structure takes 3 to 6 weeks to complete having been worked on by both members of the pair. They are not just massive they are also structurally solid, a completed nest can support the weight of a man. As if that isn't enough, they don't just build one of these, they may build half a dozen in their territory ... and then they will only use one of them (and that will only be just the once). Why they do this is still a mystery but it's a real boon to other birds. Verreaux's Eagle-Owls frequently take over Hamerkop nests once the birds have built the initial solid platform and after the Hamerkops have finished with them Barn Owls, Egyptian Geese and Comb Ducks are among a long list of species that take advantage of them. Even when the Hamerkops are in residence sparrows and other small birds often choose to nest in them. And it's not just other birds that benefit, snakes, genets and monitor lizards will all use them for sleeping in. At Lake Baringo Club a venerable old Hamerkop nest was used for a number of years by a variety of other birds including a pair of Grey Kestrels.
Whilst on my last trip to the famous Kruger National Park, I travelled early each morning, setting out at 4:30am to maximise the golden sunlight available. All photographers know about the "Golden Hour" which is critical and we all hope to see Lion etc at these times. It's not always possible but you have to make the most of your opportunities.
I managed to find this Hamerkop, just before 8am next to the road in a small pan. The water was very still and the Hamerkop moved about in search of food. With the sun shining directly over my shoulder, I set up and took some frames of this guy. I preferred this particular one because of the illusion, making his leg look like a "Zig-Zag" shape with the reflection in the water..... |
|
|
| Altered Image #1
soccer
(1965)
Elements 3
Edited by:marhowie
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5761 W: 1228 N: 97]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (302) |
Hi Sheriff,
I gave your great shot a touch of USM for the web @ amount 100, radius .3 pixel, and 0 threshold.
Howard |
|
|
