Johnny rook is the local nickname for the striated caracara, likely due to its main prey the gentoo penguin, which itself is often called the Johnny penguin (all very confusing). That’s a gentoo penguin off to the right in the background. These raptors were relentless with their efforts to infiltrate the penguin colonies and steal their eggs. I was down on the ground photographing a few of them when I turned around and saw this guy running toward me (I think he thought I might have something tasty in my backpack). I wish he didn’t have a tag but all in the name of conservation efforts. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 135mm) ISO 800, f/8 at 1/1600th of a second.
I think the only reason we think he looks mean is because of his unfortunate name. The spectre of unlimited horizontal and vertical movement is terrifying to humans. If he was named Johnny Pawn, Johnny Knight or even Johnny King he’d be a lot less threatening.
That’s a great shot! I have occasionally photographed wildlife with tags & have seen enough of the ID on them to send in the location where I photographed the animal. It is amazing what data one can dig up about where, for example, a sea lion was pupped and when. I doubt the animals are wild about their “bling”, but wildlife bling does have its rewards.
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Johnny rook is the local nickname for the striated caracara, likely due to its main prey the gentoo penguin, which itself is often called the Johnny penguin (all very confusing). That’s a gentoo penguin off to the right in the background. These raptors were relentless with their efforts to infiltrate the penguin colonies and steal their eggs. I was down on the ground photographing a few of them when I turned around and saw this guy running toward me (I think he thought I might have something tasty in my backpack). I wish he didn’t have a tag but all in the name of conservation efforts. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 135mm) ISO 800, f/8 at 1/1600th of a second.
I’m sure the tag doesn’t hurt him and,as you said, it’s for conservation of the species. He’s a mean lookin’ dude, that Johnny Rook is!
Mean looking guy you caught him in action heading for you !
I think the only reason we think he looks mean is because of his unfortunate name. The spectre of unlimited horizontal and vertical movement is terrifying to humans. If he was named Johnny Pawn, Johnny Knight or even Johnny King he’d be a lot less threatening.
Not sure of his wingspan size, but he looks pretty big. Those talons would likely make pretty quick work of shredding a backpack — or shoulder!
great pic. ) he sure looks mean just by his pic. ) he would not make good pet. )
That’s a great shot! I have occasionally photographed wildlife with tags & have seen enough of the ID on them to send in the location where I photographed the animal. It is amazing what data one can dig up about where, for example, a sea lion was pupped and when. I doubt the animals are wild about their “bling”, but wildlife bling does have its rewards.