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Sacred Birdie


Sacred Birdie
Photo Information
Copyright: Japie Venter (japie) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-10-22
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Tamron 28-300XR, Digital ISO 200, Skylight
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/60 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Ibis (family Threskiornithidae) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-11-11 4:59
Viewed: 4759
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Scarlet Ibis Eudocimus rubber

The Scarlet Ibis, most beautiful of all the Ibis family, derives its name from the Greek meaning “religious worship, sacred bird”. This is an ancient group whose fossil records go back 60 million years. Their record in human history has been traced back 5000 years. The Ancient Egyptians venerated the old world “Sacred Ibis” as part of their religion, and often mummified the birds and buried them in temples and with Pharaohs. There are 33 species of Ibises in the world. They are found in North America, Africa, Madagascar, Eurasia (except the northern areas), Australia and Central and South America.

The Scarlet Ibis is the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago, where they are also naturally found. Both sexes are similar in appearance. They are 21 -27 inches long, though the male is slightly larger than the female. They have thin, strongly down-curved bills with pointed tips, a long neck and legs, and partly webbed toes, with the middle toe slightly scalloped. Their legs and feet are red. All are strong fliers and swimmers. Being true wetland birds, Scarlet Ibis can be found in fresh or salt water, marshes and swamps. They travel in flocks, are very gregarious and nest in colonies in trees.

Breeding season is April to August. There are usually 2 eggs per clutch and the incubation is thought to be 21 days. The scarlet color is derived from the synthesis of the carotene present in some of their food (crustaceans, fish, algae and aquatic insects). The black pigment on their primary feathers is thought to give extra strength to the wing tip. Ibis are long-lived; up to 18 years in captivity. They reach maturity by age 2, by which time they have also gained their bright red coloring. They follow an elaborate courting ritual and usually pair for life. We have a lovely flock of Scarlet Ibis right here in our Marsh Aviary. You can tell who is older by how brightly colored they are.

The camera settings:

Program Setting Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 100mm
F Stop: F/5
Shutter Speed: 1/60
ISO: 200
Tripod: No
Flash: Yes
Reflective Panel: No
Cable release: No
RAP, red45, hvr_oosterzele, ellis49, gerhardt, TAZ, marhowie, extramundi, PDP, Luc, willie has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Arjuna: 60 million yearsjapie 1 11-12 03:14
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Critiques [Translate]

Very good shot, good background, amazing colours.

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2004-11-11 5:06]

Otra picudo espectacular por su colorido y original silueta.
Excelente primer plano Japie... creo que el foco esta muy centrado en el pico dejando el ojo y parte del cuello un tanto soft (o eso parece).
Perfecto DOF y encuadre, al igual que tus completas notas.

Another spectacular immense peak by its colorful and original silhouette.
Excellent close up Japie... I believe that the focus this very centered in the peak leaving the eye and and part the neck somewhat soft (or that seems).
Perfect DOF and frame, like your complete notes.

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2636 W: 74 N: 9091] (31094)
  • [2004-11-11 5:10]

I like red silhouette of this ibis on black BG. Perfect!

Nice colors and framing but a bit soft.

Very good Japie.
Very colourful , good composition and DOF.
I agree with Hans, it´s a bit soft.
Great note like always.
Very well done.

Lovely colors of the bird. Nice mugshot. Did you use NI? It is a bit soft at the edges.

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2004-11-11 7:24]

Waouh ! Cet oiseau est impressionnant avec son long bec. Belle photo aux couleurs agréables.
Well done !

Japie, Wait just a minute here..your name isn't Laurie is it? ;-) Excellent composition & color with the soft effect pleasing to me. Great supporting note also. Great work!!

The subject and background are very beautiful Japie, but the soft edges disturb me a little. It is curios the diference of taste, what disturbs me, is a good effect for Howard :-D
Nice post.

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

Hi Japie, I also think it looks a tad soft but I am wondering how much of that is due to the fluffy feathers? I think it is a great shot but I do wonder if that bird was naughty in a previous life and as punishment that beak wsa strapped on? :-)

Very good work.

Not so nice as your previous Ibis post. Nevertheless very good detail. Nice Job

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1835 W: 301 N: 4287] (14767)
  • [2004-11-12 8:21]
  • [+]

Fantastic note for a sacred bird, Japie... or a sacred note for a fantastic bird... its your choice.

"fossil records go back 60 million years" just after your birth... :)

Good eternal work!

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