AccordingToJess

Symbiotic relationship - the impala and the oxpecker

Symbiotic relationship - the impala and the oxpecker

This image shows a beautiful communalism symbiotic relationship as the oxpecker removes the harmful ticks from the impala whilst the ticks provide food for the ...
Read more

This image shows a beautiful communalism symbiotic relationship as the oxpecker removes the harmful ticks from the impala whilst the ticks provide food for the beautiful bird
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Jun, 2016

Views

720

Likes

+32

Awards

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Peer Award

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Absolute Masterpiece

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Outstanding Creativity

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Time

I took this photo at about 4pm about half an hour before the sun was due to start setting in the sky, and because of this, the gentle sun highlighted the impala's back beautifully.

Lighting

This shot was taken with natural lighting only when the sun was about to start setting which made it less harsh.

Equipment

This was shot on a Canon 500D with a 70-200mm f/4 lens.

Inspiration

I had just learnt about the beautiful and fascinating symbiotic relationship between a red-billed oxpecker and an impala. This photo perfectly captures that relationship as you can see the oxpecker looking for ticks which irritate the impala, but also acts as a source of food for the bird.

Editing

I usually do a bit of subtle post-processing but I felt that this photo didn't need much at all. Therefore all I did was brighten the image a little.

In my camera bag

I do a lot of wildlife photography around South Africa so I travel very light, carrying just my Canon 500D, 18-55mm lens and 70-200mm lens.

Feedback

The best advice that I could give to someone wanting to capture something similar is that it is really a test of patience. Learn to be patient and keenly observe the behaviour of both the oxpecker and the impala in order to judge the best position and lighting.

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AccordingToJess

AccordingToJess

Symbiotic relationship - the impala and the oxpecker

This image shows a beautiful communalism symbiotic relationship as the oxpecker removes the harmful ticks from the impala whilst the ticks provide food for the ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow AccordingToJess

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This image shows a beautiful communalism symbiotic relationship as the oxpecker removes the harmful ticks from the impala whilst the ticks provide food for the ...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.