Birds Secretary Bird

[Sdawes]

I have visited a few countries in Africa a number of times and seen and photographed these magnificent predators on many occasions, but this was a first me as its the firsat ime I witnessed one kill a mammal. This was taken on my last trip to Laikipia in Kenya , I couldn't photograph the actual kill as the action took place behond some dense scrub ,so I was really surprised to see the bird emerge with this Dwarf Mongoose which it proceeded to eat .

• ILCE-1
• FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/7.1
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 1600

• ILCE-1
• FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/7.1
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 1250

• ILCE-1
• FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/7.1
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 640

 

[Unframed Dave]

Very surprising, given the fearless reputation of the lil mongoose.

Great shots.

 

[iamdlewis]

Very surprising, given the fearless reputation of the lil mongoose.

Mongoose final thought = Think maybe a little bit of fear would have been a good for continuing my life.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Superb behavioural shots. Awesome birds.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

a little bit of fear would have been a good

Too right.

Whilst being known for stuff like taking on cobras and winning, they are not stupid brave. I opened my car bonnet (hood?) once to find a mongoose sitting on the engine. I hardly had time to register it before it was gone in a blur. Fast movers! The few mongooses I have seen have been much bigger: I guess this one was very young.

Nature is hard. And I'm no vegetarian. Super pictures.