Hiking across challenging terrain, Klaus had half an eye on the condors soaring above the unforgiving landscape. Suddenly, one of the birds dropped down and began circling in front of a glacier. Relieved to have his camera with him – but without a tripod – Klaus quickly steadied his lens, capturing the magnificent bird silhouetted against the blue peaks.
Soaring on three-metre wings, Andean condors are one of the largest flying birds in the world. They scavenge a living across the Andes often relying on the remains of carcasses. They can live for more than 50 years but breed very slowly, leaving them vulnerable to human persecution: farmers mistakenly believe they kill livestock.
Germany
Klaus has been interested in nature since he was a child. He tries to make the observer pause for a moment and reflect on his images. His photography excursions have taken him to remote regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Bulgaria, Romania and Spain, as well as South Africa, South America and the Falkland Islands.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.
