Pelican or Contortionist?
29.11.09
A couple of weeks ago I went to Fuengirola Zoo for the first time. It’s one of those places that you don’t really notice unless you are looking out for it, it’s quite small and encloses the Plaza de Toros on three sides, so when you get inside it’s quite surprising how much they have managed to pack in.
My main reason for going was their annual photographic competition – this is the third year they have held it, I heard about it last year but didn’t get around to going. This year I decided it had to be done – the main theme is Grandes Primates (Great Apes – Gorillas, Orang-utans, Chimps and Bonobos), so there is plenty of scope for really good close shots of animals with almost human expressions. So a couple of weeks ago I arranged to meet my friend James (another local photographer) and we spent a few hours snapping.
I have finally decided on the 4 photos I am entering (2 great apes, 2 of other zoo residents) – this isn’t one of them but it makes me laugh every time I look at it so I thought it was a good candidate for the blog. Pelicans are funny looking creatures in any case, but this view of one preening itself shows just how they have to twist and contort their bodies to accommodate their long necks and beaks. Despite the angles and distances involved it looks like quite a precise operation.
Taken with a Nikon D1X and a Nikon 18 – 200mm lens at 90mm. Shutter speed 1/320th sec, Aperture f/8.5
View photo page on main site. Check out the nature page for a close up of a chimp.
See more photos from this day on my Facebook page: Richard Thomas Photography
English