Kongeørn | Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Som de fleste gribber og rovfugler har kongeørnen et fantastisk blikk og kan se et dyrekadaver over store avstander. Det hjelper selvsagt med skvatringen fra ravner, skjærer og kråker, og kort tid etter at den første kongeørnen har landet ved et kadaver kommer fler. Og med det blir det kranglinger som her, når en sittende […]
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
Rollers are found in Europe, Asia as well as in Africa and Australia, but not in the New World. It’s commonly seen throughout its range, often perched on its favorite spot as seen here. From this perch it will scan the ground for prey, and swoop in to catch them when spotted. It sounds like […]
Cape Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus ssp. pictus)
I had many incredible encounters with wild dogs during my stay in Okavango. One hunt went straight through the camp! Here you see a typical bonding behavior after a feeding. They made a kill the previous night, and at dawn I watched as they licked the last remains of the carcass accompanied with a wide […]
Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
A critically endangered species, and unsurprisingly the only one of the species I encountered during my time in Botswana. Last night’s kill by wild dogs has attracted this individual and other species of vulture and scavengers, and this hooded vulture was the only one of its kind. Decades ago it would have been alongside many […]
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
Last night a group of wild dogs made a kill, and at dawn furry and feathered scavengers honed in on the leftovers. This eagle was waiting for the large vultures to scatter, so it could have its pickings. The dogs made a good job of cleaning up the kill, so not much was left. But […]
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Last night a group of wild dogs made a kill, and at dawn furry and feathered scavengers honed in on the leftovers. This kite was waiting for the large vultures to scatter, so it could have its pickings. The dogs made a good job of cleaning up the kill, so not much was left. But […]
White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
A critically endangered species, but surprisingly 5 of them gathered here. Lot less than in a healthy population, but it could have been just a single individual. Or none. I encountered very few of any species of vulture, and sadly this is all due to human activities like trophy hunting and religious excuses, poisoning of […]
Southern Lion (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
Three linonesses of a pride of more than 10 quenching their thirst in one of few places left with water as the drought deepens with a seemingly never ending heatwave of 40c during day and barely a couple of hours before dawn with nearing pleasant temperatures. One of the lionesses was stung in the eye […]
Southern Serval (Leptailurus serval ssp. serval)
Following this beautiful southern server during its morning hunt was amazing. It did not pay much notice to my presence and I was therefore able to see its natural hunting behavior. Watching it pounce on its insect, reptile or rodent prey was as good as it gets. It was mostly strolling leisurely looking for opportunities, […]
Southern Serval (Leptailurus serval ssp. serval)
Following this beautiful southern server during its morning hunt was amazing. It did not pay much notice to my presence and I was therefore able to see its natural hunting behavior. Watching it pounce on its insect, reptile or rodent prey was as good as it gets. Although this was my only such encounter during […]
Southern Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus ssp. sundevallii)
A common resident in Okavango and to me a funny looking creature that reminds me of dodgems, or bumper cars, when their tail is raised during their escapes. They live a precarious life as they’re prey to lion, cheetah and leopard. This one is checking out elephant dung at a waterhole inundated with parched elephants, […]
Southern Lion (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
A young lion giving me the stare, wondering what to make of me. Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 1100 Shutter speed: 1/1250 s
Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)
This very well camouflaged owl was sitting very close to the dirt road out of the Central Kalahari Game reserve, but did not leave its spot in the shade. At 8 in the morning the heat of the sun is already unbearable and most animals seek shelter. Some are nocturnal and take advantage of the […]
Southern and Eastern African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus ssp. jubatus)
A female cheetah leading her cubs to a new resting site as the rising sun heats up the land, leaving fewer and fewer shades to be found. Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 360 Shutter speed: 1/800 s
Southern Lion (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
Just like humans – when all needs are met laziness sets in and the only frustration that might arise is where and how to position the body and how to adjust it to those miniscule discomforts like heat, flies or your brother coming too close for comfort. This is one of two brothers chilling out […]
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Kongeørn | Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Som de fleste gribber og rovfugler har kongeørnen et fantastisk blikk og kan se et dyrekadaver over store avstander. Det hjelper selvsagt med skvatringen fra ravner, skjærer og kråker, og kort tid etter at den første kongeørnen har landet ved et kadaver kommer fler. Og med det blir det kranglinger som her, når en sittende […]
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
Rollers are found in Europe, Asia as well as in Africa and Australia, but not in the New World. It’s commonly seen throughout its range, often perched on its favorite spot as seen here. From this perch it will scan the ground for prey, and swoop in to catch them when spotted. It sounds like […]
Cape Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus ssp. pictus)
I had many incredible encounters with wild dogs during my stay in Okavango. One hunt went straight through the camp! Here you see a typical bonding behavior after a feeding. They made a kill the previous night, and at dawn I watched as they licked the last remains of the carcass accompanied with a wide […]
Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
A critically endangered species, and unsurprisingly the only one of the species I encountered during my time in Botswana. Last night’s kill by wild dogs has attracted this individual and other species of vulture and scavengers, and this hooded vulture was the only one of its kind. Decades ago it would have been alongside many […]
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
Last night a group of wild dogs made a kill, and at dawn furry and feathered scavengers honed in on the leftovers. This eagle was waiting for the large vultures to scatter, so it could have its pickings. The dogs made a good job of cleaning up the kill, so not much was left. But […]
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Last night a group of wild dogs made a kill, and at dawn furry and feathered scavengers honed in on the leftovers. This kite was waiting for the large vultures to scatter, so it could have its pickings. The dogs made a good job of cleaning up the kill, so not much was left. But […]
White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
A critically endangered species, but surprisingly 5 of them gathered here. Lot less than in a healthy population, but it could have been just a single individual. Or none. I encountered very few of any species of vulture, and sadly this is all due to human activities like trophy hunting and religious excuses, poisoning of […]
Southern Lion (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
Three linonesses of a pride of more than 10 quenching their thirst in one of few places left with water as the drought deepens with a seemingly never ending heatwave of 40c during day and barely a couple of hours before dawn with nearing pleasant temperatures. One of the lionesses was stung in the eye […]
Southern Serval (Leptailurus serval ssp. serval)
Following this beautiful southern server during its morning hunt was amazing. It did not pay much notice to my presence and I was therefore able to see its natural hunting behavior. Watching it pounce on its insect, reptile or rodent prey was as good as it gets. It was mostly strolling leisurely looking for opportunities, […]
Southern Serval (Leptailurus serval ssp. serval)
Following this beautiful southern server during its morning hunt was amazing. It did not pay much notice to my presence and I was therefore able to see its natural hunting behavior. Watching it pounce on its insect, reptile or rodent prey was as good as it gets. Although this was my only such encounter during […]
Southern Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus ssp. sundevallii)
A common resident in Okavango and to me a funny looking creature that reminds me of dodgems, or bumper cars, when their tail is raised during their escapes. They live a precarious life as they’re prey to lion, cheetah and leopard. This one is checking out elephant dung at a waterhole inundated with parched elephants, […]
Southern Lion (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
A young lion giving me the stare, wondering what to make of me. Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 1100 Shutter speed: 1/1250 s
Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)
This very well camouflaged owl was sitting very close to the dirt road out of the Central Kalahari Game reserve, but did not leave its spot in the shade. At 8 in the morning the heat of the sun is already unbearable and most animals seek shelter. Some are nocturnal and take advantage of the […]
Southern and Eastern African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus ssp. jubatus)
A female cheetah leading her cubs to a new resting site as the rising sun heats up the land, leaving fewer and fewer shades to be found. Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 360 Shutter speed: 1/800 s
Southern Lion (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
Just like humans – when all needs are met laziness sets in and the only frustration that might arise is where and how to position the body and how to adjust it to those miniscule discomforts like heat, flies or your brother coming too close for comfort. This is one of two brothers chilling out […]
South African Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris)
The ground squirrel is as cute to us humans as any species of squirrels with their fast pace an entertaining antics. But their lives are faced with the exact same challenges as all life, and they have no clue as to what our view of cute is. This is such a huge misconception and why […]
Southern Kori (Ardeotis kori ssp. kori)
Bustards are very large birds, and the southern kori is the largest flying bird in Africa. They have a wingspan of up to 275 cm (9 ft) and up to 20 kg (44 lb) in weight. Not surprisingly you will mostly see it walking and only occasionally see it in flight. Seeing this huge bird […]
Southern Steenbuck (Raphicerus campestris ssp. campestris)
The steenbuck is blending well with the dry grasses, both in color and small size as it reaches no more than 60 cm (24″) in height. Aperture: ƒ/6.3 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 360 Shutter speed: 1/1000 s
The Neck, Bruny Island
This morning started with lots of rain, defying the forecast of sunny skies and making the journey here somewhat in the unknown. But lo and behold – the clouds gave way for blue sky and sunlight, making this capture possible, capturing the immense beauty of this stretch of Bruny Island. I was in luck to […]
The Neck, Bruny Island
This road is built on a very narrow stretch of land, where one side has an amazing beach seen here, and the other facing Tasmania. As you can see there is barely a place to park you car. How this place is during the high season I can only imagine. I enjoyed every minute of […]
Bennett’s Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus ssp. rufogriseus)
At first I thought I encountered an albino, but it just a very light-colored variation to the norm which you can see on the individual drinking water below – just a few meters away. Aperture: ƒ/4.5 Camera: NIKON D4S Focal length: 500mm ISO: 640 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Port Sorell, Tasmania
Humanity has always been inspired by nature, and tried to express their experience of nature through art. Although there are countless incredible human productions, nature simply cannot be beat in any way. Be it microscopic or on cosmological scales. Nature is always more. Every moment of every day there are shapes, patterns and colors for […]
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Kingfishers are known for fishing, but fish is not big on the laughing kookaburras menu. It will sit perched high like a fence post seen here, and wait for prey to move below and then swoop in. With its formidable beak the prey stands little chance of survival. It will catch snakes, geckos, lizards, mice, […]
Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
The meadows in between the 56 wind turbines of Musselroe Wind Farm at Cape Portland provides food for the cape barren geese, and hopefully none of them are killed by the blades of the turbines. This species is also found on the southern coast of mainland Australia. It sounds like this: Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON […]
Green Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus)
A Tasmanian endemic, which means it lives nowhere else on Earth. It sounds like this: Aperture: ƒ/8 Camera: NIKON D4S Focal length: 500mm ISO: 400 Shutter speed: 1/1000 s
Taylor’s Beach, Break O’Day
A very brief, but stunning part of sunset on a beach I visited many times during my stay here. Every hour of the day provided a uniquely beautiful experience, and particularly so with the presence of only nature and wildlife, as this was autumn and the low season for visitors. Aperture: ƒ/8 Camera: NIKON D5 […]
Taylor’s Beach, Break O’Day
This is such a beautiful beach I’m sure is pretty crowded in summer, but this is autumn and this couple were the only other humans I encountered here during my several visits during my time here. Aperture: ƒ/18 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 70mm ISO: 500 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Bicheno Blowhole, Tasmania
The Bicheno blowhole can be magnificent if you come during optimal conditions of high waves and tide with a partly cloudy sky as seen here. Better stick around in Bicheno if you are unlucky in regards to the weather and tidal conditions on your first attempt. Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 24mm ISO: […]
Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Coles Bay
A beautiful lighthouse in an amazing natural setting, and I had it almost all to myself! As I visited in autumn, there were hardly any visitors and the landscape was all natural sounds and sights. Elevation: 18 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: L1D-20c Focal length: 10.26mm ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1/400 s
Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)
In many places the various species of wallabies have become so used to humans that they come out and up close to check you out. As they are herbivores I find it quite interesting why they chose to come up close to humans. Perhaps some humans do hand out irresistible plant materials, or some have […]
Russell Falls, Mount Field
This was perhaps the most “crowded” of all the waterfalls I visited during my trip to New Zealand And Tasmania this autumn, and I can only imagine how crowded this place would be during the high season. During my visit it was all nature and only the occasional visitor. I even saw a sleeping wallaby […]
Russell Falls, Mount Field
This was perhaps the most “crowded” of all the waterfalls I visited during my trip to New Zealand And Tasmania this autumn, and I can only imagine how crowded this place would be during the high season. During my visit it was all nature and only the occasional visitor. I even saw a sleeping wallaby […]
Swan Lagoon, Ohao
There were no swans on this lake during this brief and wonderful time of sunset, but several ducks. Elevation: 590 meters Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: NIKON D4S Focal length: 200mm ISO: 1800 Shutter speed: 1/250 s
Purakaunui Falls, Otago
On the way to the Purakunai Falls you’ll find this mini-version of the main attraction about half-way between the main road and the falls. In North America and Eurasia the landscape is on fire with reds and yellows in autumn, but here there are no such decidious tree species. Europeans longing for that special sign […]
Purakaunui Falls, Otago
A beautiful waterfall I had almost to myself. As I visited in the autumn there were very few visitors around and that made the place that much more amazing. Elevation: 75 meters Aperture: ƒ/16 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 50mm ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1.3 s
The Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka
Perhaps the most famous tree in the world, in an ever changing environment. This time it was extremely windy and cold, and not at all pleasant, but visually it was amazing as the sky was filled with dramatic clouds in layers, each moving in a different pace and direction. Elevation: 282 meters Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: […]
The Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka
Perhaps the most famous tree in the world, in an ever changing environment. This time it was extremely windy and cold, and not at all pleasant, but visually it was amazing as the sky was filled with dramatic clouds in layers, each moving in a different pace and direction. Elevation: 282 meters Aperture: ƒ/7.1 Camera: […]
Lady Knox Geyser, Rotorua
Even though I visited here in autumn, this site was exceptionally popular and crowded, and not pleasurable at all, except for the geyser. Left to its own devices this is a mellow geyser, but drop some detergent into it, and it steadily increases its outward pressure until it reaches a considerable height and then steadily […]
Owharoa Falls, Waikino
This is a hidden gem that’s easily missed and not visited by many compared to other waterfalls in New Zealand. The river turns 90 degrees here, and has a short run before it flows into the bigger Ohinemuri River running alongside Highway 2. Aperture: ƒ/13 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 38mm ISO: 50 Shutter speed: […]
Whangarei Falls, Northland
For a brief few seconds these two kids chose to stand in front of the waterfall, providing an excellent scale of this magnificent place. Aperture: ƒ/22 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 32mm ISO: 50 Shutter speed: 1/10 s
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani)
One of few high altitude hummingbirds, and not easy to get up close with unless you know it’s favorite specimens of flowering plants in its territory, to which it will return to over and over again. This was the only encounter of my time in Ecuador, albeit from a considerable distance. It sounds like this: […]
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis gayi)
I immediately thought of ptarmigans of northern Europe when I encountered this seedsnipe. It is in fact a short-legged wader living on plants and seeds. It sounds like this: Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 400 Shutter speed: 1/1000 s
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
After an amazing experience with a spectacled bear I was on my way to the main road when I noticed this deer feeding not far from the road. So well camouflaged that I had to repeatedly point to it so the others could see it. Elevation: 4077 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: […]
Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
What an amazing experience it was to see this rare spectacled bear. I spotted it driving to the next destination on my schedule, and could not believe it when I saw this bear high up a hillside. I first tried to walk, but with camera gear adding weight I had to accept defeat and hope […]
Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani)
A frequent visitor to feeders in Ecuador and here its visiting a brugmansia trumpet flower. It sounds like this: Elevation: 3089 meters Aperture: ƒ/16 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 320 Shutter speed: 1/125 s
Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae)
At 11 cm (4,33 in) and a long bill its one of the larger species of hummingbirds. It’s commonly visiting feeders throughout its range in Ecuador. It sounds like this: Elevation: 3089 meters Aperture: ƒ/16 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 320 Shutter speed: 1/125 s
Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys)
One of the smallest of the hummingbird species. Both sexes look alike. It sounds like this: Elevation: 3089 meters Aperture: ƒ/16 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 500mm ISO: 320 Shutter speed: 1/200 s
Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata)
A fantastic experience to have this beautiful bird singing right outside my bedroom. I had hoped to be able to capture it and was hoping it was not frightened by my very slow movements to set up my camera. As often is the case with owls, it was not particularly disturbed, just a couple of […]
White-whiskered Hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui)
A large hummingbird with a distinct hum from its large wings. Its visit to feeders is very brief and sporadic so it’s harder to photograph than many of the other hummers as they patrol their their territory sequentially. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/14 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 250 […]
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
The white-necked jacobin is a very common visitor to feeders in Ecuador and is unmissable. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/14 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 250 Shutter speed: 1/160 s
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
The female white-necked jacobin lacks the striking blue and white of the male, but as is the case with most female birds their duller plumage is so for a reason – to blend in well with the surrounding during nesting to avoid predation. The white-necked jacobin is a very common visitor to the feeders, but […]
Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)
One of the larger species of hummingbirds. It’s a common visitor of feeders and gardens in its range in Ecuador. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/14 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 250 Shutter speed: 1/160 s
Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica)
Capturing a hummingbird perched for a prolonged time is not easy nor predictable as they perch only for brief moments between feeding and squabbling over territory. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 4500 Shutter speed: 1/500 s
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
There’s no mistake when you see the brightly red head of the male, which stands out in the green of the forest. Barbets of both the New and Old World have amazing songs, some with rhythms so precise they might be thought of as machines. This species commonly visits feeding stations where one can enjoy […]
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
Capturing a hummingbird perched for a prolonged time is not easy nor predictable as they perch only for brief moments between feeding and squabbling over territory. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 3600 Shutter speed: 1/500 s
Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala)
A commonly seen bird in its range in Ecuador, and frequently seen at feeding stations providing fruits. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 2000 Shutter speed: 1/400 s
Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala)
A commonly seen bird in its range in Ecuador, and frequently seen at feeding stations providing fruits. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/6.3 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 2200 Shutter speed: 1/400 s
Rufous-tailed hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
Capturing a hummingbird perched for a prolonged time is not easy nor predictable as they perch only for brief moments between feeding and squabbling over territory. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 2000 Shutter speed: 1/500 s
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
In most species humanity has named them after traits of the male, but some go for the female, as is the case for the green honeycreeper where the female is green. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 1800 Shutter speed: 1/400 s
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
The female green honeycreeper blends in well with the foliage. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/6.3 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 2000 Shutter speed: 1/400 s
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
Capturing a hummingbird perched for a prolonged time is not easy nor predictable as they perch only for brief moments between feeding and squabbling over territory. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/6.3 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 2000 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)
With the same color combination as the thick-billed euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) it might be difficult to tell them apart on the fly, but as the name implies the difference is the shape of the bill. They are more to the orange than yellow and their vocalizations are also different. As with the thick-billed euphonia it […]
Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris)
A brilliantly colored male of the species often seen at feeding stations in its range in Ecuador. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 3600 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)
This species looks very similar to chestnut-mandibled and yellow-throated toucans, but as the name implies this species only exists in the Chocó region, the Pacific slopes, of Ecuador and Colombia. As with other toucan species it loves handouts of fruits and is a frequent visitor to feeding stations providing favorite fruits like banana and papaya. […]
Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus)
Capturing birds in the wild is hard as they rarely get close enough, especially for the smaller of the species like this one. A brief encounter at the San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 4500 Shutter speed: 1/320 s
Pale-mandibled Araçari (Pteroglossus torquatus ssp. erythropygius)
A striking species that, together with toucans, is a frequent visitor to feeding stations serving bananas and papaya. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 1400 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii)
A beautiful species with a very unique vocalization that adds depth and mystery to the myriads of songs in the forest. Sometimes it will rhythmically move the tail like a pendulum in a clock. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 5600 Shutter speed: 1/125 s
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
Barbets of both the New and Old World have amazing songs, some with rhythms so precise they might be thought of as machines. This species commonly visits feeding stations where one can enjoy them up close, but their song is heard far and wide and as such you can hone in on them wherever they […]
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
Barbets of both the New and Old World have amazing songs, some with rhythms so precise they might be thought of as machines. This species commonly visits feeding stations where one can enjoy them up close, but their song is heard far and wide and as such you can hone in on them wherever they […]
Bicolored Hawk (Accipiter bicolor)
My only encounter of the species, and in luck as it was relatively close. Hawks are ambush predators that swoops in on their prey, and we usually locate them by following the agitated calls from its prey, smaller birds, or during their hunt. I located this one by following the agitated calls and flights of […]
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
In most species humanity has named them after traits of the male, but some go for the female, as is the case for the green honeycreeper where the female is green. A female on this perch would be hard to see against the greens of the forest as she herself is just as green. It […]
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
There’s no mistake when you see the brightly red head of the male. Barbets of both the New and Old World have amazing songs, some with rhythms so precise they might be thought of as machines. This species commonly visits feeding stations where one can enjoy them up close, but their song is heard far […]
Pale-mandibled Araçari (Pteroglossus torquatus ssp. erythropygius)
A severely damaged lower mandible with a part missing – perhaps from a fight with a predator. Fortunately the tip of the beak is intact and thus it can grab any food and continue eating like normal, which is to swing the beak fast upwards so the fruit will fly up in the air so […]
Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)
This species looks very similar to chestnut-mandibled and yellow-throated toucans, but as the name implies this species only exists in the Chocó region, the Pacific slopes, of Ecuador and Colombia. As with other toucan species it loves handouts of fruits and is a frequent visitor to feeding stations providing favorite fruits like banana and papaya. […]
Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus)
While I was packing up my gear in the car after a short hike, this lovely parrot landed on this rather flimsy wiring outside a home. As with most species of parrots, this one is also sold and trafficked as a pet, and as such is threatened to become endangered if people are unable to […]
Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)
A typical posture when in an agitated or exited state. Here I’m level with the bird up in the canopy, which is the best way to see the world as they do. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1034 meters Aperture: ƒ/6.3 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 560 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Golden-collared Honeycreeper (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)
An incredible combination of colors and patterns. Although it will visit feeding stations, I only encountered it one place, and that was here in Mashpi. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1310 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 3600 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)
With the same color combination as the thick-billed euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) it might be difficult to tell them apart on the fly, but as the name implies the difference is the shape of the bill. Their vocalizations are also different. As with the thick-billed euphonia it is a common visitor to feeding stations offering various […]
Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
With its green plumage the crimson-rumped toucanet blends in perfectly with the canopy, and can be hard to see. It will happily visit feeding stations and is common in its range, but I only encountered it twice during my visit. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1310 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm […]
Lemon-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus ssp. icteronotus)
A juvenile female. The male is all black, except for the lemon-colored rump. A species commonly seen on feeding stations in it’s range in Ecuador. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1310 meters Aperture: ƒ/5.6 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 3200 Shutter speed: 1/640 s
Empress Brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
A large and brilliantly green species that visits feeders and gardens in its range in Ecuador. Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) feeding while the empress brillian is on its way in to get some more. There is frequently fierce fights around these flowers and feeders, where either size or impudence will grant a sip of nectar. […]
Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii)
This species is one of the smallest of the hummingbirds, and weighs just 3 g (0,11 oz) and is commonly seen in Ecuador. This is a male green thorntail, and the largest of the sexes, measuring 10 cm (3.9 in) long. Its small size makes the wings sound like a large bumble bee. It sounds […]
Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni)
With its long bill the brown inca is easy to distinguish from other species. It’s frequently visiting feeders and is commonly seen in Ecuador. It sounds like this: Elevation: 1310 meters Aperture: ƒ/14 Camera: NIKON D5 Focal length: 700mm ISO: 125 Shutter speed: 1/125 s
Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini)
A common and widespread species frequenting feeders throughout it’s range in Ecuador. The only way to fully capture and freeze the fast moving wings of the hummingbirds is through flash photography, and each exposure is a way to study in detail every adjustment they perform which are too fast and frequent to our eyes and […]
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