Coy

The story behind this print

Elvis (the name I give the male kingfisher), rests on a branch to preen his feathers between dives.

I had set up a twig in the hope that this would happen and it did, eventually.

Many days I questioned my sanity as I huddled in a tiny hide waiting for this. One thing you should know about me is I am stubborn. This is a good trait for a wildlife photographer - it keeps you going when you’re cold and hungry, when you’re going home after another long day with nothing to show for your efforts. It motivates you to rise before dawn the next day and try again and again and again until you get the shot.

Four long months I sat in the hide in anticipation of this. Eventually my efforts were rewarded. The stage was set, Elvis flew in for the show and oh my what a performance! For 90 glorious seconds he sat on my twig preening and contorting his beautiful feathers into all sorts of magnificent shapes. I took hundreds of pictures, every one a keeper.

For the rest of my life when I gaze upon these images they will fill me with immense joy and remind me of that wonderful day.

Although this image works well as a standalone piece, it sits even better as part of a triptych.

It is also available as one of a sequence of nine images which really capture the essence of this beautiful mesmerising little bird - to view click here