Kenya

Dear all,

We are getting in the excited state! Next weekend my father and I will leave for a photo safari to Kenya. Our two-weeks holiday will lead us to the world-famous Maasai Mara plains and Lake Nakura. At the moment the wildebeest migration is in full swing and there are about 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle grazing on the Maasai Mara plains. Party time for the lions, cheetahs, leopards, and crocodiles! We are looking forward to observe this spectacular event, one of the last big migrations on our planet. During our visit we will stay in the Mara Bush Camp (see video). In about two weeks I will start posting the photos and perhaps a small video as my father is taking a video camera with him. I would like to recommend the wonderful photos of Jan van der Greef as an appetizer. Please enjoy his themes 'Feline energies' and 'Cycle of Life'.

See you later!

Dirk-Jan

Dynamic Texel (II)

Dear all,

The last post was on the dynamic sand dunes of de Hors on Texel. The term 'dynamic' also applies to some other areas on the island, for instance the Slufter. This reserve on the North sea coast of Texel is enclosed by high dunes and has one open connection with sea via a broad gully. The tide comes in twice a day and with storm the entire plain turns into a lagoon. The result is a dynamic area, which is rich in salt-liking vegetation and animals. Every season has interesting motives and in summer its plains are covered with flowering limonium and sea wormwood. A photographic feast! On one occassion, during a sunset walk, the sky went through some very colourful transitions. I had to react fast because these conditions only lasted for 30 minutes. Luckely, I had already selected some places to put the tripod during another walk. Preparation paid out.

Have a nice weekend,

Dirk-Jan

Dynamic Texel (I)

Dear all,

It's quite some time ago since my last post. You might have thought: "No new photos?, No news?" Well, it was my summer recess. Time for our family holiday, relaxing, archiving the photos of last spring, and making plans for coming fall (a photo safari to Kenya is on the horizon!). July and August aren't my favorite months for photography in the Netherlands, as wildlife activity is not too abundant. Nevertheless, during our recent family holiday on Texel there were some interesting photographic motives. One of them were the dynamic sand dunes of 'de Hors'. If you want to observe the formation of dunes? De Hors is the place to be. The landscape in this area is constantly changing due to the influence of wind, water, and pioneer vegetation. An interesting area with lots of photographic motives: from abstract sand patterns, nature recreation, to vegetation and landscapes. Some examples are posted in today's post. Next week we go to another dynamic area on Texel, known as 'de Slufter'.

Best regards,

Dirk-Jan

Eurasian stonechat (female)

A female Eurasian stonechat is a nice sighting as well, despite her more pale plumage compared to her male. Male and female are often searching for food together. Their first breed was successfull. Perhaps, they are caring for their second breed? Let's wait and see!

Dirk-Jan

European stonechat (male)

Dear friends,

The project with the pair of European stonechat is rewarding. Three evenings were spend in the hide with overcast conditions. Cloudy weather is necessary to render details in their contrast-rich plumage. The birds gave excellent photo opportunities. They are flying their usual rounds in the field from post to post. Every 30-60 minutes they spend a few minutes in front of the hide. Herewith some results of the male bird. Photos of the female will be posted coming weekend.

Hope you enjoy them,

Dirk-Jan

Project photography

Dear all,

Since two weeks I'm working on a project with European stonechats. This beautiful bird species was on my wish list for some time. Especially the male with it's black, white, and orange tones are quite photogenic. Two weeks ago I found a pair of them in a nature reserve near my hometown. It took some time to get them customed to that strange guy with his small hide and photo equipment, but at the moment they are cooperative. Next step was to compose the set-ups that were in my head. One of them was the stonechat male on a meadow pole with flowering cow parsley in the background. Last week I took the picture that was in my head with the right light conditions. Hopefully they will stay in the area for some weeks as the creative process never stops!

See you,

Dirk-Jan

Under mother's wings

A well-known imagery for safety and security are the wings of a mother bird. Her wings provide warmth and a shelter for her vulnerable young. Similar symbols are frequently used in the Bible as God provides warmth, love, and safety for His children. I remembered these verses when I was observing an avocet family. We spend our Pentecost weekend on Texel. It was more a weekend for relaxing, not too much time for photography. Nevertheless, I remembered this important lesson in just a small hour along the waterside.

Cheers,

Dirk-Jan