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Eye of the Inca


Eye of the Inca
Photo Information
Copyright: The dude who loves frogs (AnimalExplorer) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1010 W: 6 N: 334] (1997)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D300, NIKKOR 200-400mm 1:4G AF-S VR
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Karatash's other favorite -II-, Birds of PERU [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-12-10 22:56
Viewed: 5388
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hoatzin
(Opisthocomus hoazin)

An incredible sight to behold, these are truly magnificant birds and have an interesting natural history. In my travels it seems it never fails to encounter these ancient looking birds as we paddle our way across the oxbow lakes of the Peruvian Amazon jungles. The chicks have a special adaptation that they use after escaping would be predators. Once the predator has left the scene the chicks will swim to the base of the tree and climb back up using special claws on their wings.

The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as the Hoactzin, Stinkbird, or Canje "Pheasant", is an unusual species of tropical bird found in swamps, riverine forest and mangrove of the Amazon and the Orinoco delta in South America. It is the only member of the genus Opisthocomus (Ancient Greek: wearing long hair behind, referring to its large crest),[2] which in turn is the only extant genus in the family Opisthocomidae. The taxonomic position of this family has been greatly debated, and is still far from clear. It is a roughly pheasant-sized bird some 65 cm (25 in), with a long neck and small head. It is brown in colour, with paler underparts and has an unfeathered blue face with maroon eyes, and its head is topped by a spiky, rufous crest. The chicks are unusual in that two of their wing digits possess claws. The Hoatzin is herbivorous, it eats leaves and fruit, and has an unusual digestive system with an enlarged crop which functions as a rumen.

Source
Tamrock, Noisette, loot, oanaotilia, RII, SelenE, manyee, lovenature, rousettus has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To loot: Hi LootAnimalExplorer 2 12-12 10:40
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Critiques [Translate]

What an amazing bird you had captured...nice and sharp....

TFS
AngHY

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 26 N: 3888] (16941)
  • [2009-12-11 1:54]

Hello
Wonderful portrait of this strange bird.
Regards
Razvan

hello frogman:)
An amazing and beautiful bird this!
very nice to see and the quality in
the pic is perfect!
good work!

Hi Paul,
this guy is a little crazy and I love it. This red eye, the feathers like a crown and it seems to smile ;-)
I also like the colours very much, thanks, excellent shot.
Greetings
Sabine - wishnugaruda

Hello Paul
very beautiful shot of this superb bird, i love his red eye, his blue face and his crazy crest, this Hoatzin is taken with superb details and against a wonderful green BG
a great portrait
Have a great WE
Jacqueline

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5524 W: 722 N: 4163] (11276)
  • [2009-12-11 21:34]
  • [2] [+]

Hi frog dude

(Huh?) True facts…This Inca warrior just blinked an eye for me. The authentic, life-like
representation coupled with the shear incredible visual impact of this shot probably made
me see strange things. I did not indulge in any "medicinal" or "ceremonial" substance, but
I am utterly convinced this bird in going to climb right out of my screen and drop a splodge
on my keyboard. Any moment now.

This is mouth-watering stuff my friend. It is exactly this reason why I am still peed-off
for the circumstances that made you obliterate your entire portfolio. Maybe I shouldn't
remind you about it, but the truth is that the bitter taste of discontent still lingers strong.

The recipe: Take one astonishingly beautiful bird, place it in a picturesque and isolated
environment, apply one measure of Nikon D300, and then combine 200-400mm of Nikkor
glass into the mix. Blend an abundantly qualified expert into the composition and let it
simmer at an "unknown" level of aperture and exposure. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy
the delicious result. No need for any further additives.

Excellent work MF and TFS.
Regards
Loot

  • Great 
  • RII Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 481 W: 0 N: 895] (2862)
  • [2009-12-14 10:10]

Hi Paul.

Fantastic close up.

Thanks and congratulations....RICARDO.

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2249 W: 65 N: 4205] (13972)
  • [2009-12-14 10:12]

Hey Paul,
I love them! And this is a lovely portrait
TFS
All the best,
Selen

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2010-02-06 12:27]

Hi Paul,
How did I miss this one?
This shot is absolutely amazing! This guy looks like he came straight out of Jurassic Park.
I think he was putting the moves on you, Paul.
Those feathers sticking up, that coy look with the head slightly tilted... Oh my!
Excellent capture, as usual.
Thanks for sharing this beauty.
ManYee

Hi Paul
A spectacular and brilliantly colored bird. It reminds me of a Archaeopteryx. I love to see these species that live deep in the jungle. Places I may never get to. Really nice portrait.
TFS Janice

wow, I missed so many amazing pictures of yours, TFS Ori

Hello Paul
I missed this shot. I have seen newly. this is really wonderful capture of famous Hoatzin. everything perfect from sharp details, exposure/light using to coloration, POV/OOF and composition. thanks for sharing this beauty. well done
Ahmet

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