I think it is human nature to anthropomorphize our own emotions to those of animals. We cannot help but see happiness in the "smile" of the dog even though the dog might not feel that same emotion of happiness as we humans do. The same with birds (for me). I cannot help but see and hear happiness in their behaviour and songs. I sat in the kitchen (with my camera in a specific place for quick gathering when the opportunity arises) and heard the most beautiful bird song just on the outside of the kitchen. I knew the Cape Wagtail had a beautiful song, but I have never heard a bird this happy. I wish my old camera had a video function (I have the Nikon D300 which does not support video). The song is imprinted in my memory not necessarily because of the song itself, but because of the way this bird friend walked all along on the patio towards the avocado tree. I felt that this bird friend was happy, his/her song attested for this and the way he/she bounced up and down. It was as if he/she danced along with his/her own song. I also think you can see in the first photograph the lovely and happy face of this friend. In any case, please enjoy these photographs of this peculiar and very happy friend!

The Shot (in the Avocado Tree)

The Walk to the Avocado Tree

Here you can see him/her singing loud and proud!

• photography
• bird
• nature
• wildlife
• southafrica