Black Stilt


Posted by mikullashbee on Fri Aug 26, 2016 2:17 pm

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This is the worlds rarest wading bird. In the early 80's their numbers in the wild dropped to just 23 individuals. Alterations to their natural habitat as well as the introduction of several mammalian predators has lead to this decline. They now have a captive breeding program which is helping to sustain a population. With the help of this program there are now around 150 of these birds in the wild. This female overwinters at an estuary 30 minutes from my home in Christchurch, NZ. She breeds just up the braided river each spring. Unfortunately she has chosen a Pied Stilt to breed with, and this interbreeding is also contributing to a decline in pure wild birds being born. I sure hope they can recover. Cheers
Nikon D7200
600mm F4
F7.1
1/2000th
ISO 400
www.mikeashbeephotography.com
Thanks for looking,
Michael Ashbee
mikeashbeephotography.com

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by ANIT MITRA on Fri Aug 26, 2016 2:57 pm
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Great shot...
Let live properly and let them live properly...
 

by Karl Egressy on Fri Aug 26, 2016 3:09 pm
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Great to have a nice shot of this rare bird.
 

by Carol Clarke on Fri Aug 26, 2016 4:08 pm
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Stilts are so elegant and this all black colouration is beautiful, I do hope they manage to survive Mike. Stunning species and superb image!
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by Matt Filosa on Fri Aug 26, 2016 6:00 pm
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Amazing shot and an interesting story. Couldn't ask for more.

Best,

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by Denis55 on Fri Aug 26, 2016 7:49 pm
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Gorgeous image,and great info Michael!
Thanks for sharing!
 

by Alan Murphy on Fri Aug 26, 2016 8:14 pm
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Wonderful getting such a sweet image of this bird. The light and water color add a lot.
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by Leighayres on Fri Aug 26, 2016 10:28 pm
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Great shot and great story - thanks.
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by Square Man1 on Sat Aug 27, 2016 3:33 am
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Thank you for the introduction Mike, such a gorgeous specimen that you have captured, an excellent image all round.

Rob
 

by Gaurav Mittal on Sat Aug 27, 2016 5:33 am
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Beautiful capture Mike. Glad you were able to make an image of this rare bird and I hope they make a comeback. Love
that red eye. Nice details and background colors.
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by Greg Schneider on Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:55 pm
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Beautiful shot Mike - you made the most of this opp. Have been enjoying your shots from down under.
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