In the Falkland Islands, the striated caracara is locally known as the Johnny Rook. They are fairly common around the islands — sometimes a bit too common — as they always seem to be waiting for an opportunity to get into your backpack to see what they can find. I photographed this guy on Saunders Island, my first stop in my Falklands trip back in 2014. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 290mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/3200th of a second.
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With a name like that these guys must be awesome at chess. The Bird’s Gambit, baby.
Mean looking guy , but photographed well for you
He has a regal demeanor, and I wouldn’t want to challenge him. The detail of his feathers is amazing.
Thanks. Being able to get so close really allowed my lens to bring out the detail in those feathers.
It kind of resembles a small eagle. Beautiful bird, Sean!
Yes indeed. Seems wherever you go in the Falklands there’s always a Johnny Rook somewhere nearby keeping an eye on you.