BIRDS | Uniqueness in a Feather Suit

Explore my Bird Prints, from graceful swans, to intriguing owls or hovering hummingbirds

Bird photography

Spishing & Acting

The very first birder I met introduced himself with: “Hello, I’m number 2 on the Dutch Birding List.” My bird-watching ambitions were nipped in the bud before they even sprouted.
I don’t own a digital telescope. Not even binoculars. I. You won’t see me in a green suit and never use terms like juvenile first-years, wing feathers, or third eye ring. I can’t distinguish a heron from a pheasant by sound. I have no interest in lifers, cripplers, or ticks, and I don’t (s)pish, slash, or twitch.

So, I may not possess that bird-watching gene, I do love birds, though!

Birds and their quirks

I love their feathers. Especially when ruffled by wind or grooming.
Every species has its own flying style. From heron-esque awkwardness (is it even flying?) to acrobatic precision in the skies.
I enjoy the way many species take their young under their wings. Who wouldn’t want a bird mom?
How they protect their young like ferocious dragons. With their own lives, if necessary. Or with a bit of acting to mislead the enemy.

Speaking of acting… I sometimes suspect that birds’ normal bird behavior is actually a kind of act. You can see it in that bird’s gaze, there’s something hidden behind it. And if you’re not paying attention for a moment, the true bird nature emerges. For example, I saw a bittern perform an Oscar-worthy reed stem imitation…
A dipper dancingly launching a photographer into the water.
Ducks darting across the water like mini-Jesus figures.
Kingfishers for consent with a fish.
And I haven’t even mentioned the look on the faces of fresh owlets!

Not convinced yet?
Did you know…

• Herons fish with bait?! (dragonflies or even pieces of bread)
• Magpies like to hang upside down, just because they can?
• A lyrebird flawlessly imitates the sound of your camera, a chainsaw or a car alarm?
• Some birds like to make love with… human hair?
• Young jackdaw can manifest a worm into its beak?
• …or pretend to be seriously exhausted in order to get more food?
• And the cherry on top: birds that – I’m not making this up- do the Moonwalk…?

Uniqueness in Disguise

That’s what birds are! Uniqueness in a feather suit. And that’s what I want to see.
There are plenty of wallflowers. I want that odd duck. That bird of paradise. I don’t need a green suit and binoculars for that, nor a bird-watching dictionary.

Authentic birds

I simply need cooperative birds. The ones who dare to be their authentic selves, with their silly walks, bad hairdos, and borb aspirations. Tens of thousands of them doing The Duck together.
Or just being utterly adorable…that’s okay too