We became alerted to the presence of this rare bird (gray-bellied hawk, "Accipiter poliogaster") when the bird it was chasing flew into the dining area at Shiripuno Lodge. I don't often take multiple shots in rapid succession, but I'm glad I did this time. If I had waited for the bird to assume this pose, I most certainly would not have captured this image. The hawk was identified by Fernando, Director, and Randy, naturalist guide of the Lodge. Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador ("Noir" filter used).
What is it about storks that make them so charismatic? It is difficult to articulate the reasons, but the Jabiru is one my favourite vertebrates. Encountering a Jabiru stork nest? Joy! It was far away and high in an enormous tree, and our boat would not stay still. Multiple rapid shots produced a couple of respectable images. Seasonally flooded forest, Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, Peru ("Jabiru mycteria").
Jabiru stork nest up close, taken a few seconds after the previous shot.
