23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Shadow Play
Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao), along with Red-and-Green Macaws (Ara chloropterus), gather on the clay cliffs of Tambopata Reserve in Peru. Their vivid feathers stand out against the earthy wall, while dramatic shadows cast by the rising birds add graphic depth to the scene. These macaws and parrots eat the mineral-rich clay to neutralize toxins from seeds and fruits in their diet, aiding digestion and providing vital electrolytes, especially sodium. The clay lick becomes a social arena and a visual spectacle, blending colorful wildlife with intricate plays of light and shadow in the Amazon.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 07.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 11.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Peru |
| Camera: | NIKON Z 8 |
| Copyright: | © Alexandre Brisson |