Chachalacascape - Gregory Basco - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2011

2011: Nature in Black & White - Highly Commended

Gregory Basco Enlarge image Chachalacascape

Gregory Basco (USA)

Chachalacascape

Though common enough in Costa Rica, the relatively drab gray-headed chachalaca is a bird that tends to be overlooked, says Gregory. Indeed, he had never bothered to photograph one. The loud cha-cha-laca calls of groups of the chicken-sized birds are, however, a familiar noise in the forest. One morning, exploring the grounds of an eco-lodge in Turrialba with the intention of photographing hummingbirds, a chachalaca was revealed to Gregory in a new light. Looking up into the forest trees, he saw a single bird. Silhouetted against the overcast sky, it had become one with the architecture of the cecropia tree, creating a picture not to be missed. Seconds later, the bird flew off to rejoin its flock nearby.

Canon EOS 5D + 300mm f2.8 lens; 1/80 sec at f5.6; ISO 100; Manfrotto tripod + Really Right Stuff ballhead + Wimberley Sidekick.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.