Andean Cock of the Rock (Peru)

[Glenn Bartley]

These guys are always a favourite down in the Andes and are Peru's National bird. I have seen them several times before but never had a really good opportunity to photograph them. For those that dont know - these birds gather at what are called "lek" sites to display for would-be mates. Sometimes you can have dozens of them all in one area! Unfortunately, normally the leks are only active very early or very late in the day making photography a challenge. I got lucky on this day to have some action a bit earlier in the afternoon. What a treat to watch these guys for a few hours



Camera Model: Canon EOS 7D
Shutter speed: 1/160 sec
Aperture: 4
Exposure compensation: -2/3
Flash: On
ISO: 800
Focal length: 500mm