In The Eye Of The Beholder…
Guiding at an anti-poaching fund-raiser in Kruger, one of our objectives was to visit a site known to be a display arena of the marvellous Pennant-winged Nightjar.
I was very excited as I’ve only ever briefly seen males in their incredible breeding plumage in Uganda, during the gorilla and chimp trekking trips I lead there 13 years ago.
The males grow extremely elongated inner second-primary feathers which serves as a fitness indicator (ability to fly with encumbrances) which doubles as a visual stimulus to the females…the longer the feathers, the more prised the male…who said size didn’t matter?
As we set off to be in position just at sunset when the males start their calling and slow but deliberate display flight, I had no idea what to expect and felt the excitement of discovery again.
The local guides whom I shared the guiding with seemed certain that we would get to see the display and even made predictions as to the exact time…which seemed so implausible.
Having to clear some trees which elephants had pushed across the road, delayed us a little and with great angst we arrived and settled into position. The key is to be in situ and absolutely quiet, prior to commencement of this display, lest we disturb the rather shy bird.
Sitting in silence, camera in hand, the anticipation was palpable. The longer we waited the more concerned I became that the fading light will soon exceed the capabilities of the technology in my ageing camera.
Then suddenly, 45sec after the predicted time, Christopher excitedly said “Listen! He’s calling…get ready he’s coming” and with that, as if in slow-motion, this apparition fluttered by, and disappeared.
Silhouetted against a deep purple sky we were treated to a brief but incredible spectacle!
The conditions resulted in an image which technically fell so far short of what I was hoping to capture, that I nearly cried out of frustration.
Having said that though, what the image lacks in technical attributes it makes up for in mystique and wonder. There is a certain ethereality conveyed in these imperfections which exactly matches my lived experience.
Photography (as with other art, and life for that matter) is all about enduring perception.
May you look back on 2018 and recognise the moments of value, beauty and joy, despite some perceived imperfections…Happy Holidays!
Yours in wonder…