On the main wharf at Akaroa a Little shag (kawaupaka, Microcarbo melanoleucos) peered at the passersby. They always seem conscious of human presence, yet somehow casual; even when someone approaches too close they take their time about extending their wings and stretching into the air.
I trust I'll be as relaxed, as at-home-in-myself, when I take to the air next Wednesday, on my way to South America.
Posting might be light for a while.
[23 July2011, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 100–300 mm at 210 mm, ISO 400, 1/400 at f5.6]
All content © 2011 Pete McGregor
I suppose with that wing-power they can afford to be relaxed. Let's hope your wing-power is even more impressive.
ReplyDeleteBon Voyage!
With the blurred background (which I like) it looks like he's in a racecar, or that perch is speeding away. But bird is in control.
ReplyDeleteSud Americanos, I have learned recently, do not like when folks in the US call themselves Americans. We are all Americans, in the US are Norte Americanos. Since I so rarely refer to myself by my citizenship - I sincerely believe I have never so offended the southern residents of my continent. Enjoy your journey.
Thank you RR. I hope my plane will fly better than a shag, too ;^)
ReplyDeleteZhoen, thanks. Interesting you should mention that about "Americans" too — for a long time now I've made a point of referring to "the US" or "the United States", for precisely that reason, although I've also been thinking of my Canadian friends too (also geographically North Americans). I suppose some people would consider it semantics or "PC gone mad" (a favourite phrase of those who hear something with which they don't agree), but I think the point's worth noting.
To both of you — RR and Zhoen — thank you for your consistent and generous commenting.
To those others of you who comment similarly, thank you also. I don't know how frequently I'll be posting while I'm overseas, but I'll make the effort to keep the intervals reasonably short.