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.
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7 comments:

  1. SAPhotographs (Joan)28 October 2010 at 08:16

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

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  2. Firefly the Travel Guy28 October 2010 at 08:23

    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.

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  3. Katney29 October 2010 at 06:58

    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.

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  4. mainly mongoose (Lynda)30 October 2010 at 12:52

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

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  5. nell30 October 2010 at 16:19

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

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  6. iheartsunnydays2 November 2010 at 07:02

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

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  7. Judy2 November 2010 at 18:53

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

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