09 June, 2009

Gymnast Sunbird Gone Bananas

Kota Bharu, Kelantan, 5th June 2009.
Was testing my flashgun on this Heart of a Banana Tree (local name:Jantung Pisang) when I spotted some movements through my viewfinder. A male Brown-Throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) had landed on the heart and performing gymnastics to get to the banana flowers. Here are some of the movements: how did he score?
 
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Handspring front - forward entry onto the vault, front flip off, done in the tucked position, with a ½ twist.

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Tkatchev - from handstand on high bar, swing down release, fly over high bar in straddle position to regrasp.
 
   
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Arch - the body is curved backwards ready for a dismount.
 

3 comments:

  1. Ha,ha! (LOL), very good coach or commentator.
    Beautiful 'gymnast' photos and your flash extender works very well here.

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  2. TQ for the info on the extender Doc. Would't have been able to take these photos without it.

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