Strange but true

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 8, 2011197 views8 comments

This male Kudu, had the most distorted headgear I have ever seen!

This was taken in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, 9th September 2011

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 IS hand-held from open game viewing vehicle

F5, ISO 400, 1/4000

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 8, 2011 at 4:21 PM

Nice photo Ken. I like the oxpecker(?) on his back. I don't see much wrong with the horns other than maybe abit too close as the curl inwards. Do you have a side view? Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on November 9, 2011 at 1:11 AM

John,

It is inded an Oxpecker (Red Billed), the horns usually spiral upwards and outwards with up to three turns,the shape of these i.e. curving inwards is for me at least is first.

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on November 9, 2011 at 1:54 AM

I agree. The horns do appear closer, at least in this view.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 9, 2011 at 3:05 PM

Thanks Ken, I see what you mean about the inward curl instead of outwards. Still a fine photo of a kudu in its habitat.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on November 10, 2011 at 1:43 AM

Ajit & John,

Thanks very much for your comments

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on November 10, 2011 at 7:59 AM

Hi Ken,

As a definite non-expert in Kudu antlers I'll have to take your word that this is atypical adornment. But I can say that it's certainly a nice clear shot and the oxpecker adds even more visual interest to the image.

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on November 10, 2011 at 9:37 AM

Brad,

For some unknown reason I may not have posted a "normal" Kudu before?

My other was I believe the running one.

I'll take a look (not wanting anymore duplicates) and see if I have a good head on,

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Roman Kurywczak on November 11, 2011 at 9:07 PM

Hey Ken,
While this may not be my favorite angle.....it really does show off the headgear extremely well!!! Oxpecker is nice added bonus.

Registered on November 20, 2009, 56 Posts, 748 Comments