It was my dream to get a photo of a Malachite Kingfisher at Rondevlei. They are like tiny jewels and one of my favourite birds. I chose a little section of river with a photogenic branch and waited. About half an hour later, to my utter delight, a beautiful Malachite perched on the branch in the sun. It sat contentedly and every so often, did a dive into the water to catch something. I didn't think it could get better but then it did. Another Malachite arrived from nowhere and they started to mate! Then afterwards, they lovingly touched beaks and exchanged food. One of the highlights of my birding and photography career.
I also got to photograph a couple of other birds on the same stretch of river.
Wow! What a delight that is. So special.
ReplyDeleteIncredible sharpness and colour, and so much humour in the natural behaviours… I bet you had to demonstrate great patience and skill in capturing this. Amazing
ReplyDeleteAwesome captures! That’s patience paying off!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness these pictures are stunning. You might be interested to know that: Kingfishers are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, and balance. They have a free spirit with wanderlust running in their blood. In many cultures, these birds are also associated with fertility and good fortune.
ReplyDeleteWow - quite amazing luck and photo skills. I can see you entering one of those photos in an international wildlife photography contest.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have that special dream become a reality. And the superb photos are so sharp. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat an extraordinary experience Graeme - and thanks so much for sharing. Just goes to show you often do get what you wish for and when it happens it’s often so much better than you hoped for!
ReplyDeleteGraeme Myburgh you have enter these in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Such a beautiful bird and you have photographed them so well. What a special moment in your life. Animal watching is always such a treat.
ReplyDeleteWow Graeme, even by your lofty standards, these are special! Happy days.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing capture and you got to witness it all...life unfolding right before you!
ReplyDeleteAah Graeme You've done it again! Exquisite photos
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you that you realised your dream
These are special Graeme, love your work!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely sublime. You were walking on cloud nine when you got home!!💗
ReplyDeleteSuch a special experience for you and brilliant that you managed to catch it with such wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteYou might never be able to improve on that Graeme, just awesome.
ReplyDeleteSo special Graeme! And your photographs are superb too.
ReplyDeleteTruly amazing photography of a treasured moment. Spectacular!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pic. Well done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Graeme and as only you can do, you have connected with essence of your subjects and shred what you see.
ReplyDeleteCan't ge† enough of this creativity more please more!
glorious results; thx.
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