Nikon D800 400mm 2.8 lens f8 ISO 280 in aperture priority patern metering
These are incredible birds that fish in flight, if the occasion arise . They fly their prey to the shore to eat. It was the first that I have seen these birds catching fish in flight. They normally forage in shallow pools for a variety of prey ie. Frogs insects etc..
The hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) is a medium-sized bird. It is the only living species in the genus Scopus and the familyScopidae. The species and family was long thought to sit with the Ciconiiformes but is now placed with the Pelecaniformes, and its closest relatives are thought to be the pelicans and the shoebill. The shape of its head with a long bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, which has given this species its name after the Afrikaansword for hammerhead. It is a medium-sized waterbird with brown plumage. It is found in mainland Africa, Madagascar and Arabia, living in a wide variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lakesides, fish ponds, riverbanks, and rocky coasts. The hamerkop is a sedentary bird that often shows local movements.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 4 comments posted
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Gerhard, yes the hammer head bird is endemic to Africa and Madagascar. I was able to photograph in in Tanzania. The image is at peak of action when the bird has the fish and showing movement to land given by the leg in the air and open wings. The image is sharp and the colors very vivid. Posted: 03/09/2025 11:11:04
Kathy Buckard
Very unique looking bird. It must also flap its wings as it eats as the wings show movement. Can see the resemble of the pelican in a smaller scale with the wings placed in that same position when they land on shore. Posted: 03/10/2025 18:11:44
Gloria Grandolini
Gerhard, great image - it is so hard to catch a bird with the prey in its mouth!!! I also like the colors of the composition with the terrain matching the browns of the bird. A technical question as I begin to try taking shots of birds in flight - I thought that when you are shooting birds in movement time value versus aperture priority was recommended - to ensure freezing the action. But I do like that here you have the body of the bird and the fish very sharp and the wings showing the movement. Thanks! Posted: 03/17/2025 09:16:54
Grace Cohen
Hi Gerhard - A picture is worth a thousand words - and your image is a perfect example. You've cropped this nicely to frame this hamerkop with its fresh catch... and the shadow of feet from the bird that missed this morsel. Light is lovely, focal area is sharp. You didn't mention shutter speed, but you might consider a high shutter speed setting to more sharply capture all of the detail in this unique bird. One other minor suggestion is to crop out the rock or debris in lower right - but only if this image won't be entered in PSA Nature category. Posted: 03/24/2025 22:10:43
