just wait...

Photographer, author and naturalist Hugh Chittenden is one of southern Africa’s most respected field biologists.

- HUGH CHITTENDEN

His canny observations and acute attention to bird behaviour have brought to light a wealth of insights into hitherto unknown courting, nesting and feeding activities. But it is his patience while wielding a camera that reflects his approach reminiscent of the old-school naturalists, who waited and waited for their ‘moment’ with birds. It’s an unhurried approach that these days is all too often disregarded. Here he shares some of his favourite images with us.

above A locally common resident and intra-African migrant, the Collared Pratincole is usually found at wetland margins and open areas near water. It breeds colonially and nesting pairs can number up to a hundred in an area. The eggs are laid in a shallow scrape and are cryptic, often closely matching the colour of the substrate.

right Large prey, such as small mammals and reptiles, will be needed to satisfy these three Black-headed Heron chicks and the adults will be kept busy from dawn till dusk provisioning their hungry offspring. This photograph was taken in mid-November at a heronry in Mpumalanga.