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Last moments


Last moments
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1906 W: 107 N: 4875] (16757)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-11-06
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Fujifilm Finepix S5000, Fujinon 10X zoom
Exposure: f/3.2, 1/340 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Lizards - Lagartos - Lézards, Geckos, Australian Reptiles and Frogs, Reptiles - Geckos 1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-11-30 6:04
Viewed: 5822
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Last moments of a small skink (probably Carlia amax), as it unsuccessfully tried to defend itself against the much larger Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko (Strophurus ciliaris).

I know the shot is not sharp, but I have posted it because I like it. Geckos are often thought of as cute, but most gecko species are voracious carnivores.

The Spiny-tailed Gecko is a highly variable arboreal species found through the tropical woodlands of northern and central Australia. It ranges in colour from pale silvery grey to rich red-brown. It is primarily nocturnal, resting in tree hollows and rock crevices though the day.
We were attracted to this individual as it bashed the poor skink from side to side on the tree trunk. I got three shots and then it disappeared into hollow tree trunk. The gecko is about 150mm in length and the skink 60mm.

Cropped from the original, slight level adjustment and 50% USM applied. I tried a number of different sharpening techniques, but this is the best I could do.
RAP, tellerka, willie, gerhardt, PDP, extramundi has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To netfalls: camouflaguesandpiper2 1 11-30 22:50
To gerhardt: yes I agreesandpiper2 1 11-30 22:47
To willie: Oh boy, extra pointssandpiper2 1 11-30 22:41
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2004-11-30 6:12]

Espectacular escena con un ejemplo notable de mimetismo de esta especie de gecko.
Buena agudeza y presentacion para este oportuno disparo.
Si la cola apareciera entera... sería perfecta. ;-)

Spectacular scene with a remarkable example of mimicry of this species of gecko.
Good sharpness and presentation for this opportune shot.
If the tail appeared whole... it would be perfect ;-)

It's great shot. Gecko is not good visible but I think he made everything to achieve this effect especially for his victims ;)

Good action shot Chris. Well seen and well captured. 5 points

Chris what a moment you captured. I like the geckos too and this shot is so nice. I think it's sharp enough it looks less sharp because of the camouflage. Well done.

  • Great 
  • japie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
  • [2004-11-30 14:54]

Very interesting post and I like the note a lot. Very well done.

Thanks for posting

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2004-11-30 16:01]

Hi Chris, superb capture, although it looks like the death isn't going to be that quick. Excellent nature shot.

You have said it, it is not sharp but it in interesting, I also think it is worth posting. It is quite cruel how the victim tryes to defend itself, but thats nature!!

Very good scene but I think you'll have to work a bit on it.
Ajusting contrast, USM...
Well done.

Wow! this is a great shot! It shows the camouflague ability of the gecko, and the skink! The photo seems a little dark, but I still like it! Good work!

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