Secretary Bird by danob

Photography • Creatures • posted on Feb 11, 2006

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Description

This is the only member of the family Sagittariidae. It is a large bird of open country, savannah and steppe, which can be seen stalking across the plains in search of rodents, reptiles, large insects and, famously, snakes. It has a surprisingly powerful kick which it uses to stamp on larger prey. In addition to its normal "raptor" type diet it is also attracted to bush and grass fires, where it feeds on the small animals which fail to escape the blaze. Although it is usually seen walking it does have very large, broad wings and is an accomplished flyer, using thermals to gain height and soar across distances. Secretary Birds are territorial, normally occupying areas of around 45-50 square kilometres, interestingly in Kenya they occupy smaller territories. One of the best places to see it is in Samburu, away from the river in the dry open scrub country near the hills. If you live in the UK please try the Hawk Conservancy near Andover where this lovely bird resides Thanks to my best mate Jimry for the loan of his 70-200 L f2.8 while my 100-400 L is in hospital

Comments (49)

soulofharmony

6:13PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

wowww dan just in awe what timing.. just as the snake rose to strike.. awesome awesome..!!! hope that hair style doesnt catch on.. see it has jimbos sytlist !!!! bootiful dan :))excellent

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Punaguy

6:14PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Wow!! Great action moment caught here Danny, this is just awesome...I'm blown away, Great shot!! Aloha!

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PhrankPower

6:20PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

So what the heck is going on here? Is that snake real, or is this a set-up? Either way, freakin' awesome! What timing! There is a story behind this, and thanks Dan for the info, but you left out the story!!

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eborg1

6:25PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

This is a very strong image.

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1010

6:36PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

So when were you in Africa to take this awesome shot? I am cheering for that bird, can I keep him??? lol Beautiful action shot!

wingnut55

6:36PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

i would really like to know how and when you caught this - is that a stunt snake ? because it is about to get a jolly good kicking.....

ByteDreams

6:45PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

A wonderful shot! A very handsome bird! National Geographic, class A stuff!

Wire

7:08PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Really Great!

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iaacf

7:10PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Beautiful compo.. I really would love to Andover, cause I like all kind of birds of prey..

BorisB

7:50PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

My god! Thats's really impressive!!!

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miladyblu

7:51PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Hello!Extraordinary and very impressive scene!!Not easy shot!Super capture!!I love very much this unique and amazing image!Well done!V!I wish you a wonderful sunday!

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maggiemai

8:01PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Amazing shot!! Excellent timing and lighting brings a perfect clarity and emotion here!! Wow... scary! :-) V

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IsTLionK

8:08PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Wow .. Great shot .. Love it. v

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Dianthus

8:10PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

The snake is just awesome capture. Just brilliant photography Danny. V

ERMITA

8:13PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Fantastic! Thanks for the lesson! The bird is amazing and looks funny! Excellent shot!!

L8RDAZE

8:23PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

So did the Sec Bird "kick" the snake out of the water OR did it HAVE the snake it it beak and loose it! Really got me wonderin' here! A wicked shot either way!

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Richardphotos

8:52PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

I have seen before in a zoo. your capture is outstanding of a very beautiful bird. was the snake it's lunch

vkoontz

9:06PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Exellent shot! Called the secretary bird because its head plumage looks like a secretary's writing stylus placed behind an ear.

KiwiMiss

9:14PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

Awesome timing must have been something else to see this in person!

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Dynazty

10:56PM | Sat, 11 February 2006

WOW---Such emotion in this shot....very nice.

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Saurav

12:01AM | Sun, 12 February 2006

Excellent capture.

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Blush

12:05AM | Sun, 12 February 2006

Oh wow This is something...Is that snake real too? Vote n hugs Susan~

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Zacko

12:46AM | Sun, 12 February 2006

I can without a doubt in my mind say that this shot right here is the best birdshot ever to have been posted at RR. At least in my opinion. It just doesnt get any cooler than that. Amazing catch!!!! #:O)

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