Another pair of Blue Cranes with a small chick seen on the R27 this morning while we were on our way to a Morning Talk at the West Coast Fossil Park. Although I didn't even get out the car, they were seriously "spooked" when we slowed down before we got near them, and I was able to observe their self defense mechanism is for one of the adults to run short distances ahead - I think to try and attract attention to itself instead of the chick. They became so distressed I told Don not to stop any longer for me, but to move on before causing the birds more unnecessary stress.
You managed to get your lines in nature shot! Though I guess it's man made lines so maybe that doesn't count. Good on you for caring for the welfare of the birds x
@s4sayer Thanks Margo. Yes the chick will be a fine bird .... although as @777margo points out they are looking somewhat shaggy at the moment. I noticed the first pair also looked rather shaggy. Perhaps sitting on the egg and raising a chick means they are not eating as they should be? Or maybe this incredibly hot time of year is when they have a natural moult? All things I need to start researching for my own interest now.
@narayani Thanks Narayani. I also at first thought it was lines in nature, and then decided that the fences were man made so it didn't count. As you can see from the background, there are no crop lines anywhere near my area at the moment. It is all just dry remnants of a crop long gone, and sand. Don and I are conscious about our wildlife and I wouldn't want to cause stress to anything for my own gratification.
Desi - thank you for the challenge this week. You have some great still shots and I envy your portraits (a struggle for me). For this week how about trying a technique to capture motion (slow shutter, panning, etc.). Have fun.
