Musophaga violacea (Violet turaco)
Written by Thursday, 26 January 2006 00:00
The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life. . . . The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds -- how many human aspirations are realised in their free, holiday-lives - and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song! John Burroughs
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Musophaga violacea (common name: Violet turaco) An extremely shy bird, always hiding behind a trunk or among the
leaves, this turaco only appeared there for a couple of seconds. I had
been watching the way it moved for some minutes and I knew it would
visit that point at some time. I prefocused and kept the shutter
release button half pressed till I saw it coming in the viewfinder. I
took two pictures before it left again. Camera: Nikon D70 |
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These birds are absolutely amazing in the sun. The blue and violet hues of their feathers are a pleasure to watch. I have been waiting for a while outside their enclosure for a photo opportunity but it wasn't my lucky day; they were simply too fast. As I was ready to leave I noticed a pair sitting on a branch under the shade. They were half courting half playing with their beaks. They would interrupt their game regularly to check the enclosure and ensure other individuals weren't approaching them. They were moving fast, hiding their heads behind the branches. I pre-focussed and hoped for the best. Photos by Marina Parha Camera: Nikon D70
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Violet turaco Another shot of an individual resting on a branch at the back of the enclosure. Photo by George J. Reclos Camera: Nikon D2X |
These photographs have been taken at the Attica Zoological Park. They are the property of MCH Portal and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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