2006: Behaviour: Birds - Specially Commended
Andy Rouse (UK)
Caracaras in for the kill
When penguin parents go to sea, the fledglings stay together for warmth and safety, often in protective association with adults. Straying too far from the edge of the crèche is dangerous. This gentoo fledgling, in the Falkland Islands, in the South Atlantic, took a step too far. It was immediately singled out by striated caracaras keeping watch for such a moment. These falcons are scavengers and opportunists. In this case, several caracaras worked as a pack, isolating the chick. 'It tried to fight back, but didn't stand a chance,' says Andy. 'The image shows the power between predator and prey. The expressions of the caracaras say it all.' Caracaras have their own problems, though, and are now classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as being in need of protection.
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II with 300mm f2.8L IS lens; 1/125 sec at f5.6; 160 ISO.
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