~~~~ A Photographer tells ~~~~

Silent movements among the branches

The Spotted Bush Snake is a regular visitor to our garden. On a quiet day, I was sitting with my camera at the ready, hoping to photograph some birds flying back and forth to the water basin to drink and bathe. But suddenly, everything went quiet, the birds had disappeared. Then, the Spotted Bush Snake appeared, slowly moving through the branches, making its way toward the water.

Fortunately, I was already prepared with my camera. As the snake moved silently through the branches, I aimed my lens. Drawn by the water, it slid down to the basin, took a quick drink, and then continued its way back into the trees. At one point, it paused, moved slightly in my direction, and looked straight into the camera, a brief, intense moment of connection.

The Spotted Bush Snake is an alert, diurnal snake and an excellent climber. It mainly hunts geckos and is often found in outbuildings, between walls and ceilings. Due to its striking green coloration, it is often mistaken for the Green Mamba or the Boomslang, which sadly results in this harmless snake being unnecessarily killed.

Cheers,

~~~~ A photographer tells ~~~~

Morning Stillness, Evening Glow

Early one morning, many years ago, I set out for Chombe, not far from here. My goal: to capture the sunrise over Lake Malawi. As the first rays of light slowly spread across the water, the landscape quietly came to life. On the shore lay stones of all shapes and colours – some still just touched by the rippling water.

A few days later, I returned, this time to photograph the sunset over that same lake. The atmosphere was different, but just as powerful. The sky turned deep orange and the shadows of the stones grew longer, as if the landscape was preparing itself for the night.

Cheers,

~~~~ A Photographer tells ~~~~

The Angola blue waxbill in focus

Our garden is lively throughout the year. A regular visitor is the Angola blue waxbill, a colorful little bird from the waxbill family. They come to drink, bathe, and occasionally even nest near our water basins.

The male is easily recognized by his bright blue breast and flanks, which extend down to the belly. Unlike the blue waxbill, he lacks the red cheek patch. The female is somewhat less brightly colored. At about 13 centimeters in length, they are slightly larger than their related species.

In the photos, the Angola blue waxbill is shown at various moments of its daily life. A subtle, lively bird that adds a splash of color to the greenery with its blue feathers.

Cheers,