Necrosyrtes monachus (Hooded Vulture)

Necrosyrtes monachus (common name: Hooded vulture)

This is a mid-sized vulture with the typical flight characteristics of the family, which is resumed in a predictable flight line and, once you focus on it you will have a large percentage of nice photos. The bird you see in the first two photos is the female and the one at the bottom the male. Males take longer to be trained and this one is still tied to a training rope so it won't escape. Their hearing is very poor but they have an excellent vision. They will prefer to fly against the wind which may help you to predict the course it will take. Camera settings were the same as described above. The name is formed from two Greek words, necros = dead and syrtes = the carrier. The local tribes have a myth about this bird in which it is thought to be responsible for carrying the souls of the dead to heaven.

Update on the bird: This male has opted for freedom. He flew off during one of the flight shows and never returned to the park.

Photos by George J. Reclos

Shooting Data:

1. Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Nikkor AF 80-200 mm f/2.8 ED D @ 200 mm .
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/4000 sec - f/2.8, manual mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL/FP mode
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS2, levels adjusted, smart sharpening added and resized.

2. Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Nikkor AF 80-200 mm f/2.8 ED D @ 185 mm .
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/3200 sec - f/2.8, Aperture priority mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL/FP mode
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS2, levels adjusted, smart sharpening added and resized.

3. Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Nikkor AF 80-200 mm f/2.8 ED D @ 200 mm .
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/4000 sec - f/2.8, manual mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL/FP mode
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS2, levels adjusted, smart sharpening added and resized.