The vibrant life of the Okavango Delta in Botswana includes the exquisitely colorful little bee-eater. My mission was to photograph this small, yet striking bird in its natural habitat, an endeavor that required both patience and precision.
The adventure began in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, skillfully navigated by a local guide through the serene waters. Gliding silently along the waterways, the mokoro was the perfect vessel for an intimate encounter with the delta's wildlife, allowing me to immerse myself in the environment without disturbing its natural rhythm.
As we navigated through the reed-lined channels, the distinct, melodious call of the little bee-eater resonated through the air. The challenge was to locate this tiny bird among the vast expanse of the delta. The little bee-eater, known for its vivid green and yellow plumage, is as elusive as it is beautiful, often perching quietly before darting out to catch its prey.
The moment of discovery was thrilling. Perched on a slender reed, a little bee-eater sang its heart out, its feathers gleaming in the sunlight. The bird's vibrant colors were complemented stunningly against the lush greens and yellows of the delta.
I readied my camera, carefully balancing it in the unsteady mokoro. The key was to maintain a steady hand in the gently rocking boat. I opted for my Zuiko 40-150 f2.8 pro lens to capture the intricate details of the bee-eater's feathers without encroaching on its space. The natural light was perfect, illuminating the bird and creating a warm, vibrant image.
Shot with:
OM-1 with Zuiko 40-150mm f2.8 pro
1/2500 sec, f2.8, ISO 640 at 150mm (300mm fullframe equivalent)
Postprocessing:
Capture One 23: Basic adjustments of contrast, saturation etc.. & cropping
Affintity Photo 2: Some minor clean ups with the repair brush