Sway

The story behind the image:

It amazes me, the variety of shots I have been able to capture from one single location on the bank of the River Dodder in Rathfarnham. I know all the good perches or rather, Elvis (my nickname for this kingfisher) knows the good perches and I know what he likes hence I know where to go.

I was very surprised the first time I saw him land on such a tiny little twig. I didn’t think it would support his weight but it did. He likes to sit on the thin reeds on a bright breezy day – his little body swaying with the wind. Perhaps in the swaying he has a little more visibility through the reflections - who knows.

This was captured in November, when there are still some leaves lingering on the branches, lending a beautiful autumnal backdrop to the image which blends so perfectly with his orange breast. Is this why he is so successful at catching his prey? Do they think his orange breast is just another autumn leaf?