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Hamerkop


Hamerkop
Photo Information
Copyright: Tom Conzemius (pirate) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 799 W: 152 N: 1186] (7474)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-09-05
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 40 D, Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L USM
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/800 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-11-02 3:39
Viewed: 4902
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Scopus umbretta source: http://www.kenyabirds.org.uk/hamer.htm

Other Names
Hammerhead, Hammer-headed Stork Ombrette africaine Hammerkopf Avemartillo Skuggstork Hamerkop Umbretta, Uccello martello

Afrotropical, widespread S of 15°N.

Kenya: Occurs singly or in pairs on all types of slow moving and still waters, where there is adequate prey.

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
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Tom,
After reading your forum post tonight I just had to have a look at your photos and I'm amazed.
You have some fantastic shots here.
This shot of the Hammerkopf is amazing.
I've haven't mastered in-flight shots at all yet,but you've done this really well.
It does seem to be true that he number of point you get is in relation to the number of critiques you do,but this photo surely deserves many points.
Here are my two at least.
Good work!
Steve

Hello Tom,
A nice action shot. The hamerkop is definitely an extraordinary bird, absolutely one of a kind.
Nicely done against this soft background.
TFS
Annick

hi tom!
this is a cool bird and you
capture it in a nice pose!
good work!

Hi Tom,
Stunning shot,right angle, perfect shutter speed settings and lovely composition.In other words, this image represent the photographers dream! Every one would be proud to have image like that in it's Portfolio! Well done !
Regards,
George Veltchev

hello Tom,
This is great capture of famous Hammerhead in flight. focus, POV and composition great. thanks for sharing.
I have never seen your new post for a long time. If I not wrong, you have a new baby. I hope everyting very well in your life.
I will wait your new shots. best wishes my friend
Ahmet

Hello Tom

WOW ! what a great close-up shot, the bird's
allure with his open wings pose gives a great
dynamism to the image, the back-light effect
also contribute to that, TFS

Asbed

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