WC Photographed!

WC finds that his semi-anonymity lends him a certain amount of freedom of expression that might not otherwise be available. But another nature photographer caught WC out on South Georgia Island in December 2010, and the photo has gotten out into the general public.

So in the interests of full disclosure, WC reproduces that photo here, with the consent of the photographer, Werner Sinclair, a brilliant nature photographer from South Africa, who sullied his camera to make this image.

WC on South Georgia Island

This particular photo was taken, without WC’s knowledge, at Salisbury Plain, site of an immense King Penguin colony. The red parka is to assist expedition staff in finding you in the event of an accident. The blue backpack is a water tight bag for camera gear.

What’s in a Name?

Hummingbirds have limitless charm. And part of that charm is in their whimsical names. For example, this species is called a Shining Sunbeam.

Shining Sunbeam

This isn’t a species that is attracted to feeders. You have to find this species in the field. And this particular bird was found in El Cajas National Park at the gaspingly high altitude of 12,000 feet. WC could barely breathe there; this hummingbird can flap its wings at 12-90 beats per second.

Another group of hummingbirds are called Woodnymphs; this is a Fork-tailed Woodnymph.

Fork-tailed Woodnymph

Still another group are called Sunangels. This is an Amethyst-throated Sunangel, photographed in Tapichalaca Preserve, at about 8,500 feet:

Amethyst-throated Sunangel

Early Spanish explorers called the birds Joyas Voladoras, or “Flying Jewels.” It works for WC. But by any name, they are exquisite, an endless delight.