There are a couple of bird friends that just seem to be so shy of the camera. When I spot them and quietly fetch my camera, they just know that I want to take a photograph and either hide or fly away. One of these is the Jan Frederik (my home language) or Cape robin-chat (Cossypha caffra). They are so quick and agile and so very shy. There is this particular one that knows I work in the compost and every time I turn my back to fetch water I know he or she catches a bug. I know this because I see him or her fly away just before I get back and I know their calls.

This week I was so lucky. His or her patience with me was such a wonderful experience. It was late afternoon and I just finished watering the garden. I saw some movement between the leaves on the ground (they are always busy on the ground rather than in the trees) and instantly knew who it was. I quickly and quietly fetched my camera (already anticipating the disappointment). Luckily I was wrong this time! For about 20 minutes he or she either did not see me or did not care this time. I got some great shots of this very shy friend! And now I can share it with you here! Every morning around 4:30 am they start their calling, so this is one of the friends I have wanted to capture on photographs for ages.

(P.S. Thanks so much to whoever made me officially a member! I only saw recently the member sticker or label. Thank you so much, this is really an awesome community!)

The Shot

The Attempts

In this photograph, you can see its behaviour. It raises its tail and runs with its tail in the air. So many times I have mistaken them for mice in the garden!

• photography
• birds
• wildlife
• nature
• southafrica