Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Hamerkop, a new addition to the series.

Hamerkop

Here is a latest addition to my bird series. It is a Hamerkop (Hammerhead) and found mainly in Africa. It gets its name from the shape of its head when its neck is extended. The tuft of feathers at the back of the head stick out straight like a beak. The long thin neck with the beak and tuft of feathers at the back give the birds head the shape of a hammer.I will be trying for another shot eventually with its head extended to show this attribute and hope to have it to add in the series.(easier said than done!)It was once thought to be a Heron or Stork but it is widely considered to be in a genus all its own.They are known for building massive nests, as much as 3 or 4 feet deep and just as wide. A pair of Hamerkops may build a dozen of them throughout an area, but might only use one and for only a short time. This is a blessing for other species however. Various other birds will eventually make home in a discarded Hamerkop nest, even some snakes and reptiles might find refuge in them. So here it is, the Hamerkop and hopefully I'll be able to capture some more.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Your bird series looks like antique paintings out of Audubon and are fabulous. The hamerkop shot is beautiful. With his head almost tucked it gives the capture a peaceful feel. Well done!

Cheers!
Julie
Julie Magers Soulen Photography

Unknown said...

I must say,(again) you have such a Master Artist's touch with your images. I appreciate the info on the Hamerkop also. I was not familiar with this feathered friend.

Unknown said...

never heard of one before! your photograph has such excellent composition with the branch, and the color- wow!
karen

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Stunning Gary. I've never heard of this bird before. He is so stately. He reminds me of Orson Welles with feathers. xx

gh said...

Julie, I appreciate your thoughts and good words.
Sheila, glad to see you back and as always I appreciate your time to drop by.
Thanks Karen, I'm glad you feel the comp and color works.
Josephine, I really never thought of it that way but now that you mention it this bird does look rather distinguised and stately. Orson Welles with feathers lol, or perhaps Hitchcock even. :)
Thanks

drollgirl said...

this bird is beautiful, as is that lovely green background! just beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Beautifully captured photos on your blog!

GYPSYWOMAN said...

totally captivating and unique image - beautiful!

DJ said...

Awesome shot...
Would love to see those nests, too.

Anonymous said...

You are a very talented photographer, one of the bests, I should say. Those birds sure love to build nests! Your post is very informative and at the same time very artistic. Perfect photo and a wonderful write up about it. :)

Pretty Things said...

I love him! He looks like an old soul.

diane said...

Gary, I so completely loved this! The photo(s), exquisite. The story, too cool. It's almost like he was made up, he's too interesting to be real.
I agree with DJ, I'd love to see a nest.

dana said...

Love the simplicity on this one Gary. I hope you do go back and capture him with the head feathers extended (I know this is exactly what you are after). BTW...anyone can have these hanging on their wall...check out Gary's Etsy shop. They really do light up a room.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous picts. Here from Bookish Blond.

Kim said...

a most unusual bird Gary....
wonderful colour and contrast...
a really informative post too...

Geisslein said...

This is a very beautiful picture! Like your artwork. Sunny greetings from germany, geisslein

Anonymous said...

It was very interesting for me to read this post. Thank you for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.