THE KING 👣

A glint of explosive colour reflects off the back of a tiny malachite kingfisher as it turns to leave its observation perch.

One of my originals when I started out in photography. One year of wishing, twenty weekend visits, and one lucky moment - all in an urban river winding through the urban jungle around me. Finally, another one on my bucket list was crossed off. Amazing moment as I had just set the camera to a test shutter, aperture, etc. and then, while focusing on a lone stick jutting out the river, this gorgeous creature flew into view and quickly moved on. I suppose there are some shots in photography that are taken in the most unexpected circumstances that give one an incredible sense of happiness. Back then, this one did it for me!

For those of you interested in this bird, here are some facts from Wiki. The malachite kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is a river kingfisher that is distributed in Africa south of the Sahara. It is largely resident, except for seasonal climate-related movements.

The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These are usually low over the water. It sits upright, with its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive. Large food items are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed, head downward.

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.