Big chick check-up

Charlie Hamilton James's Image

Alongside conservationists from the Namibian Vulture Project, Charlie photographed this endangered lappet-faced vulture chick, which instinctively flattened itself in defence.

Active vulture nests are identified by aerial surveys. Ground crews then check the nests with car mirrors and ring any chicks they find. There are around 8,000 lappet-faced vultures left in Africa. The population is steady in Namibia, but falling rapidly across the continent.


Behind the lens

Charlie Hamilton James

UK

Charlie Hamilton James is a wildlife and conservation photographer for National Geographic Magazine. He specialises in stories and issues in South America and East Africa. He has shot 14 stories for National Geographic.

Image details

  • Canon EOS-1D X
  • 24-105mm f4 lens at 24mm
  • 1/120 sec at f22
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