#FriFotos: Come A Little Bit Closer

This week’s #FriFotos theme is CLOSE UP, and that’s just what these two grey crowned cranes seem to be getting. The Grey Crowned Crane lives in the dry savanna south of the Sahara, and was “uplisted” from Vulnerable to Endangered (that’s not a good thing) by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) this year due to continual poaching and increasing threats to their habitat. Here’s hoping conditions improve for this regal bird.

Fun fact: The Grey Crowned Crane is Uganda‘s national bird and is featured in the East African nation’s flag and coat of arms.

Thanks to Patrick Stutzenberger who submitted this stunner to our My Shot community.

Want to see one of your photos featured on our website or blog? Make it happen by uploading your favorite travel pics (don’t forget to add a caption!) to ngm.com/yourshot. Tag all your submissions #travelshot – then look for your photos in one of our My Shot galleries or on the Intelligent Travel blog.

#FriFotos is a weekly themed Twitter chat founded by @EpsteinTravels, @TravelDesigned and @CharlesYap where travelers share their favorite pics. Search #FriFotos on Twitter to see the latest submissions or tweet one of your own.

[Related: National Geographic Travel’s Uganda Guide]