Expel

In a nanosecond, the little malachite kingfisher expels the scales and bones of its last meal.

Unusual moments often occur faster than the eye can see. The little Malachite Kingfisher flew over to his favourite perch, having eaten a juicy catch earlier. Posing on the stick, he glanced around briefly, checking the movement of the river below and the willows nearby. His observation informed him that little was happening, and he had a moment to contemplate a bit. His head bobbed slightly, backward and forward, as his body prepared to clear the indigestible parts of his meal. A moment later, he looked ahead, opening his beak and pressing the spitball into position, expelling it seconds later.

Perhaps not the most endearing sight or moment, but a movement not usually seen by many. The membrane of the bird shuts in a nanosecond, protecting it if any sudden movement follows. With its iridescent blue tint, this bejewelled little bird takes on a whole new look - one that seems at odds with its more classical appearance. I followed this beauty, one of a pair, through the summer, getting the occasional opportunity to capture these scenes. It was a privilege to be part of their lives in that small section of river when I first came across them. Now it is winter, and with the cold snap, finding him is difficult, though he may have moved with his mate to estuaries further up. I hope to see him soon, though, when our winter spell moves to spring and the river once again becomes active with bird and fish life.

Feathered Friends Collection

Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.

Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe; their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.