On our first day in the Galapagos — on the island of Genovesa — we were treated to this little domestic drama between a mother magnificent frigatebird, her young chick, and a rogue intruder. All was nice and sweet as the mother prepares to transfer a fish from her throat, into that of the chick. The chick had its entire head in the mouth of its mother at one point and eventually emerged with the fish. And that’s when the trouble began.
A male frigatebird (perhaps even the father we were told by our guide) was lurking in the air above. When he saw the fish in the chick’s mouth, he attacked, hoping for an easy meal.
After an intense battle of will, however, the chick emerged victorious and swallowed the fish in the face of the would be thief.
Amazing documentation of behavior! Have friends who went to the Galapagos and not only took photos but used their cameras to do video. Have you tried video?
Thanks Rachel,
For the first time I had a camera with video capabilities (my new Nikon D800) but I only played around with it a little. Until I really know what I’m doing with the video side of things, I’ll stick to the stills. Maybe next trip I’ll capture more video.
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Amazing documentation of behavior! Have friends who went to the Galapagos and not only took photos but used their cameras to do video. Have you tried video?
Thanks Rachel,
For the first time I had a camera with video capabilities (my new Nikon D800) but I only played around with it a little. Until I really know what I’m doing with the video side of things, I’ll stick to the stills. Maybe next trip I’ll capture more video.
Stunning sequence….what can I say!
Awesome! I missed the morning pictures! You brought back amazing pictures!
Wow. Just. Wow.
Fantastic! Images speak loud and clear!
Thanks Rita. I appreciate it.
Great documentation of all involved the young bird showed amazing spirit…what lens were you using for this and how far away were you?
Hey Steve, I was using my 200-400mm at 400mm. We were about 25 feet away.
Love the pics. From your title I was expecting a tabloid battle. And you delivered.
So amazing!! I especially love the chick’s expression you captured in the last shot!
Hey Shardae, yeah, the chick was exhausted from the battle with the much bigger bird, but probably feeling pretty good about not losing the fish.
Unbelievable that you caught that like you did!
!!!!!
So cool!