28 October 2010

The flamingo quest

The salt pans on the old Uitenhage road are usually teaming with flamingos and every time I drive past them I vow to stop and take a few pictures. Yesterday afternoon I took the opportunity and turned off the main road, but as I climbed out the car those nearest the road took off.


As with all my other attempts to photograph flamingos over the past few years, I was only able to snap a few fuzzy pictures of them in the distance.




 When they spread their wings there is quite a bright display of colour.


I knew their necks were long, but when extended they enter another realm.


These are the greater flamingos and if you want more information on them pop into the Wikipedia  site.

I am definitely going to have to make time to get some quality shots one day. Shy birds in the distance, camera shake and howling winds do not make a good combination, so next time I will use a tripod.

7 comments:

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It is stunning to see them in such great numbers when they are breeding. Great shots Max.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

They do look amazing when they open their wings. I often wonder if those who live on the old salt pans at Coega will find their way to one of the other areas as that part is developed.

Katney said...

I got flamingos at the zoo. I like yours much better. You have a great selection of posts since I visited a few days ago.

mainly mongoose (Lynda) said...

I love that first shot; it's stunning. I can almost hear their wonderful honking calls (and smell them of course!).

nell said...

Amazing birds in that part of the world! I get very excited watching birds. Great post!

iheartsunnydays said...

Wonderful colourful shots. (I never knew their underwings were such a different colour). Just beautiful - Thanks :)

Judy said...

I shall certainly be back, to see your better post on flamingoes! This one is so interesting, I am looking forward to more!!