Wings

Fury

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Cape Weavers are known for their fierceness during breeding season and this male was telling me in no uncertain terms to leave his nest alone. All of this against the backdrop of millions of flowers strewn like a carpet across the landscape. Strange to think that in a few weeks this individual will return to a calm and dull olive-brown colour, while the furious yellow of his piercing eyes will become dark.  Around him the fields of flowers will return to dusty strandveld, leaving only the seeds to carry the potential of a next year’s splendour.

Home patch

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I find it very satisfying photographing the birds living on my home patch at Yzerfontein. Yesterday this Grey-winged Francolin just happened to be out and about and ready to act as model of the day. Usually a very shy and elusive bird I have tried for many years to get close to this beautiful bird. My partner took one glance at my much prized photograph and said it would make a good puzzle. Looking at the feather detail I can’t help but agree.