secretary bird – Christian Sperka Photography

2024-07-072024-07-07

Mammals and Birds!

There are far more ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) than endotherms (warm-blooded animals) on Earth.

With the exception of mammals and birds, most life forms rely on their surroundings and behavior to regulate their internal temperature, a process known as thermoregulation.

Fish, reptiles, and amphibians, with very few exceptions, are considered ectotherms. In this picture, you can see two of my favorite endotherms: a South African Giraffe and a Secretary Bird.

Have a great week!

Technical data: Canon R6 with RF lens f4-6.3/24-240mm | ISO 100 | 1/500 sec | f6.3 | EV +0 | 240mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode | Image cropped to 15% of the original size.

#amazingwildlife #africansafari #safarigetaway #christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari #big5 #gamereserve #wildlifephotography #learnphotography

Technical data: Canon R6 with RF lens f11/800mm | ISO 2500 | 1/2000sec | ev+0 | WB 6500K | AV Mode | Crop to 25% of original image

Technical data: Canon R6 with RF lens f4-6.3/24-240mm | ISO 125 | 1/500sec | f6.3 | ev-1 | 240mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode | Crop to 30% of original image

2023-10-08

A Secretary Bird is not a common sighting at the best of times. But is quite rare to get a pictures of one of these fabulous creatures while it is catching and devouring a snake. This terrestrial eagle specialises in catching small prey while walking around open areas. Snakes are a big part of its diet. The snake in this picture was an Olive Grass Snake (or Olive Whip). It is not easy to get a decent image of Secretary Birds as they are always moving away from the camera when they are close enough for a good picture. A bit of a back-site-bird.

Technical data: Canon R6 with EF lens f4.0/500mm | ISO 200 | 1/750sec | f4 | ev+0.5 | 500mm | WB 6500K | Crop to 30% of original image

#amazingwildlife #africansafari #safarigetaway #christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari #big5 #gamereserve #wildlifephotography #learnphotography

2020-11-21

THE DAILY POST – CONTRAST

Secretary birds have the most distinct face color of all African birds of prey. Their speciality is hunting for snakes and other small prey while walking.

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

2019-12-18

BIRD WEDNESDAY – SECRETARYBIRD

Unlike most birds of prey, the Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is hunting its prey on foot, usually in pairs, stalking through the habitat with long strides.

Their prey consists of reptiles, insects, small mammals, birds and the occasional carrion.

They are well known for their ability to catch and kill snakes, even venomous ones!

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

2016-02-222016-02-21

Bird of the Day – Secretary Bird

One of my favorite birds of prey: The Secretary Bird. This picture was taken at Etosha National Park in Namibia.

To view more of my Secretary Bird images go to http://www.sperka.biz/sgb6

20110721 - CS1_6000 - E - 14

The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a very large bird of prey. Endemic to Africa, it is usually found in the open grasslands and savannah of the sub-Saharan region.

Unlike most birds of prey, the Secretary Bird is largely terrestrial, hunting its prey on foot. Adults hunt in pairs and sometimes as loose familial flocks, stalking through the habitat with long strides. Prey may consist of insects, small mammals, lizards, snakes, young birds, bird eggs, and sometimes also dead animals. The importance of snakes in the diet may have been exaggerated in the past, although they can be locally important and venomous species such as adders and cobras are regularly among the types of snake preyed upon.

It appears on the coats of arms of Sudan and South Africa.

2013-07-27

A very lucky day!

This morning’s game drive on Ithala was excellent.

First I saw a lot of Baboons on a newly burned area …

… the I got some great shots of a Secretary Bird …

… and finally I found a small breeding herd of Elephants near one of the waterholes …

… and as per Ithala rule I kept my distance (over 30 meters from the herd). But one cow did not like me looking at all and chased me down the road. She was quite serious in her attack (ears back, trunk rolled up, so sound and fast takeoff). While driving with my left hand and watching her in the mirror I took a picture with my point and shoot camera out of the window at 40 kph…

An exciting morning at Ithala. I will be back!

2013-04-302013-04-30

Rare Sightings!

Sorry for not blogging for a few days. I was very busy guiding and teaching photography. Now I am off work for seven days 🙂

So, I thought I share a few recent and very Thanda special sightings with you.

We spotted a small Serval on the fence to our base camp. This was my first Serval sighting at Thanda …

… our dominant male Lion got quite a fright when he almost stepped on this Puff Adder in the dark. The snake gave him a warning hiss and continued on its path …