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Postcard from Antarctica VI


Postcard from Antarctica VI
Photo Information
Copyright: Krzysztof Pabis (cataclysta) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 752 W: 174 N: 2191] (5666)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Olympus C-8080 WZ
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Animals' Behavior, part one [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-02-17 8:10
Viewed: 7141
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Another Antarctic postcard This time a young gentoo pinguin

Feathers are one of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds. They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates. They are among the outstanding characteristics that distinguish the extant Aves from other living groups. Feathers have also been noticed in Theropoda which have been termed Feathered dinosaurs. Although feathers cover most parts of the body of birds, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation, waterproofing and coloration that helps in communication and protection

Penguin feathers are highly specialized - short, broad, and closely spaced. This helps keep water away from the skin. Tufts of down on the feather shafts increase the insulative properties of the feathers. Penguin feathers are short and stif. Penguins have more feathers than most other birds, with about 100 feathers per square inch.

Most penguin species go through one complete molt (shed their feathers) each year, usually after the breeding season. The exception is the Galápagos penguin, which usually goes through two molts per year.

Molting is essential because feathers wear out during the year. Feathers become worn when penguins rub against each other, come in contact with the ground and water, and regularly preen (clean, rearrange, and oil) their feathers.

The new feather grows under the old one, pushing it out. The old feather does not fall out until the new one is completely in place. The molt is patchy and can give individual penguins a scruffy look.

During the molt, feathers lose some of their insulating and waterproofing capabilities, and penguins stay out of the water until their plumage is restored to optimal condition

Source: Wikipedia and http://www.seaworld.org
haraprasan, uleko, Alex99, Juyona, Ingrid1 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Chris,
A lovely capture of this young gentoo penguin plucking its own feathers. Excellent sharp details and a lovely composition. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  •      
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2009-02-17 9:22]

Hello Krzys,
A very interesting close view of the Penguin and its feather coat. 100 feathers per square inch is incredible and one forgets that it isn't just thíck fur! Excellent sharpness and colours and well composed. It's not often we're shown a real close-up of a penguin.
Many thanks and cheers, Ulla

  •      
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2009-02-17 10:12]

Hi Krzysztof.
Simply fantastic reproduction of the penguin costume. Texture, colouration and all other tiny details are reflected by the best way. Stunning exposure and lights. I also welcome attractive framing of the animal, nice and well blurred BG. Perfect postcard frome you once more. My best wishes.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 26 N: 3888] (16941)
  • [2009-02-17 10:53]

Hello Krzysztof
nice portrait with good details and natural colors.
Regards.
Razvan

  •      
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 2232 W: 10 N: 2971] (16891)
  • [2009-02-17 11:11]

Hola amigo,
hermosa captura en ambiente hostil,
buen encuadre y pov.
saludos Chris.

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2009-02-17 14:22]

Hi Krzysztof,
an excellent portrait of this Penguin.
Very sharp and detailed.
Great lighting.
Superb DOF.

Well done,
Joe

Ciao Krzysztof, an other splendid postcard from anctartica, lovely portrait with wonderful details and great sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hola Krzysztof. Creo que consigues plasmar bien en esta toma el frio ambiente. Una toma simple pero delicada, con gran naturalidad en los colores, buena luz y unas texturas en general bien captadas. En tk tenemos el privilegio de poder admirar estas maravillas.
Un abrazo: Josep Ignasi.

Dear Chris,
I am wondering if this little feather was a gift from the male for "upholstering the nest" which is built by most penguins of little stones. But at the end stage of the building, when the foreplay begins, most penguins appeared with a little gift.

Of course, I might have it all wrong, and the animal just had an itch. :-)

Be that as it may, your image is a good demonstration of animal behavior, and it is to this theme I add your work.

Warm greetings
Ingrid

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