Rhea chasing Pampas Fox

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 30, 2011364 views10 comments

Here's another shot from our recent tour to the Ibera Marshes in Argentina. This Greater Rhea (an Ostrich-like bird) didn't take kindly to a pair of Pampas Foxes that were in the area and at one point chased one of them for a bit. The Rheas will flare out their wings when they are excited or upset. This is cropped a bit from the bottom and left - it's about 80% of FF.

7D 500F4 1/250 F5.6, iso 500, handheld

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on August 31, 2011 at 12:25 AM

Killer shot !! They sure look scary from behind

Excellent timing, just love the stride of the rhea.

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by James Campbell on August 31, 2011 at 1:45 AM

Great action shot Nate! You found a little space for each of the subjects and the rhea's flared wings add some excitement.. Can't help but wonder though how this scene would look if the pair were running in your direction!

Registered on January 12, 2009, 48 Posts, 377 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on August 31, 2011 at 7:41 AM

Interesting action shot! This image certainly tells a story. Thanks for sharing.

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on August 31, 2011 at 9:29 AM

Hey Nate,

Nice (and very unique) action shot. Always fun to see unusual interactions between species (especially predators and potential prey). The flared out wings are dramatic. I found myself wishing I could see the Rhea's head (maybe I'm blind but I can't find it)...mainly for "sorting out" the orientation of the big bird...

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad

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

Comment posted by Max Waugh on August 31, 2011 at 11:35 AM

What a fun capture. Looks like you guys had some nice luck with more than just the small feathered stuff.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Darren Colello on August 31, 2011 at 11:58 AM

This must have been an awesome encounter to observe. Well timed, great shot!

Registered on July 27, 2009, 175 Posts, 1100 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on August 31, 2011 at 5:33 PM

Fantastic action here, Nate. I suppose the Rhea only does this in defense or are they agressive to some critters?

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on August 31, 2011 at 5:41 PM

Thanks everyone.

Charlie the Rheas are herbivores - I think they only do this when there is a perceived threat. The guides said they are not dangerous to people at all - so I photographed them with a wide angle lens and never felt threatened.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on August 31, 2011 at 6:26 PM

Looks like the fox was just looking for some play time, great fun looking action here Nate.Love those flared wings!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on September 1, 2011 at 12:59 PM

Great interaction, very nicely captured !
Just wish, you were at front.
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments