The kingfisher’s head spins upwards a millisecond before he gives the final blow for his catch on the trunk below.

Swish is what I would call it. Too quick for the eye to see, yet an instant movement made to provide the final blow to his catch. Its movements were swift, it was as if the entire spectacle happened in the blink of an eye. Yet, every motion was executed with precision, all leading up to the crucial moment when it delivered the final blow to its caught prey - a local fish.

The kingfisher, a master of its domain, had chosen its favourite perch - a low-lying willow that had succumbed to the passage of time, its branches now forming a makeshift bridge over the water below. With its head held perfectly still, it stared intently at the pool, where the water slowly swirled by. Suddenly, in a matter of seconds, he flipped like a flashing arrow downwards into the stream.

Over the course of my visits to this tranquil spot, I had become something of an acquaintance to this beauty. He seemed untroubled by my presence, allowing me to observe and familiarise myself with his daily routines. I eventually became attuned to his habits, his subtle body language, and the delicate bird songs he used to communicate with his mate, who resided not far away. I also enjoyed the challenge of capturing the kingfisher's lightning-fast strike and its equally swift return to its base. Each attempt was a testament to its remarkable skill. If successful, the kingfisher's beak would hold a prize - a catch it had eyed just moments before. Its timing was impeccable.

On this particular occasion, the kingfisher's experience shone through as it struck with uncanny precision. With its prize secure, it emerged from the water and quickly returned to its perch on the fallen willow. In a flurry of motion, it dispatched the fish and, with a quick flick of its beak, passed it down the line, completing another successful hunt.

It was a good day for the little kingfisher. 

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.