Captured in a frozen moment, a Red Bishop Weaver turns to attack a passing mayfly.

(Prequel to WINGED CATCH)

During a sweltering midday, I took a break and headed out with my new telephoto lens in search of avian subjects. Positioned on the edge of an embankment overlooking a small swampy area, I scanned the reeds around me, eventually noticing a male Red Bishop Weaver perched about 60 feet (20 meters) away on a weathered old tree stump. He seemed deeply engrossed in observing the world around him, while other weavers fluttered about, attending to their nests or sipping from nearby pools of water.

As I focused my lens, I marvelled at his proud plumage and the occasional movements of his head as he tracked passing activity. I anticipated his flight, positioning myself for the perfect shot, though time appeared to slow down. Despite the heat, I remained patient, hoping to capture a glimpse of his flight.

As if heeding my silent wish, the Red Bishop Weaver suddenly took off, executing a swift turn as if reconsidering. In that fleeting moment, a small mayfly crossed his path, catching his attention. With astonishing speed, he snapped it up, but miraculously, the mayfly seemed to slip from his grasp, spiraling down into the reeds, perhaps seeking refuge. While I'll never know if he managed to retrieve his prey, this brief yet mesmerising encounter with nature was a well-deserved reward for patiently observing my subject.

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 broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.