A quick morning snack for a starling.

Just a few days ago, I went for a small hike south of the Loonse & Drunense Duinen — a less-traveled area where nature still follows its own rhythm. Unlike busy forests that fall quiet when people arrive, here everything just… continues. That’s where I found this starling, perched high in a tree painted with the warm reds and golds of autumn, against a bright blue sky.

I grabbed my Canon 5D Mark IV with the Sigma 100–400mm, testing different compositions — and reminding myself (too late) to use my polariser for that extra sky contrast! Back home, this image stood out. The balance of colour was striking — the starling’s dark, iridescent feathers shimmering with hints of green and purple against that vivid backdrop. But what really made the shot special was the small detail: the moment the bird snatched a passing insect midair.

Starlings are quick and clever hunters; their eyes are adapted to detect the smallest movements even in bright light. No wonder they thrive in both cities and wildlands alike. To me, this photo captures that blend of elegance and instinct — nature’s little drama, frozen in a fraction of a second.

#Starling #BirdPhotography #NatureMoments #WildlifePhotography #Canon5DMarkIV #Sigma100400 #AutumnColors #DutchNature #LoonseEnDrunenseDuinen #BirdWatching #NaturePhotography #WildlifeLovers #IridescentFeathers #CanonPhotography #SigmaLens #MacroTelephoto #NatureStory #ByMaikelPhotography #BirdLover #MomentInNature #EcoPhotography #PhotographyArt #CloseToNature #InTheWild #MorningLight #InsectHunt #WildlifeInFocus #BirdsOfTheNetherlands #FieldPhotography #PhotoStory #ConservationPhotography #AutumnVibes #ColorContrast #OutdoorAdventure #NaturalBeauty #CanonEurope #WildlifeMoments #AnimalBehavior #PhotoOfTheDay #NatureWonder #DutchWildlife

#Rebhuhn

#vogeldesjahres2026 #nabu

mal sehen, ob ich nochmal das Glück habe eins abzulichten.

#PerdixPerdix #Vogelfotografie #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #HeimischeVögel #BirdsOfEurope #FieldBird #NatureLovers #WildlifeOfGermany #WildlifePerfection #Birdwatching #NatureMoments #WildlifeExplorer #Naturschutz #Biodiversität #Feldvogel #WildlifeInFocus

🇩🇪 Eisvogel
🔬Alcedo atthis

Ich war am Fechenheimer Ufer unterwegs mit dem Gedanken Steinschmätzer zu finden. Aber leider keine Chance. Mais auf den Feldern, .... Aber da sehe ich doch jemanden Flitzen, ... nein 3 oder 4!
Später habe ich auch noch die Bruthöhle gefunden.
Aber ich war also am Ufer, und da kam mir der Gedanke "Wenn der sich hier hinsetzen würde, das wäre ja was!" 45 Minuten später BÄHM!!

#CanonR5 #Sigma500mm #WildlifeGear #BirdPhotography #Eisvogel #Kingfisher #BirdwatchingGermany #Vogelbeobachtung #WildlifePhotography #FechenheimerUfer #FrankfurtNatur #Mainufer #UrbanWildlife #NatureInGermany #HessenNatur #NatureLovers #WildlifeInFocus #AvianBeauty #GermanBirds

Jewel of the Stream: The Beautiful Demoiselle in Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the enchanting Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), or "bosbeekjuffer" in Dutch. This damselfly is renowned for its metallic blue-green body and shimmering wings, making it a captivating subject for nature enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Demoiselle thrives along unpolluted, fast-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly beds, often bordered by lush vegetation. Males are territorial, perching on bankside plants to defend their domain and attract females. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they are sensitive to water quality and habitat changes.

Capturing this delicate insect with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens was a rewarding challenge. Its graceful flight and vibrant colors highlight the rich biodiversity of Kampina. Moments like these underscore the importance of preserving our natural habitats for future generations to appreciate.

#CalopteryxVirgo #Bosbeekjuffer #BeautifulDemoiselle #Damselfly #Odonata #MacroPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers #InsectPhotography #RiverLife #FreshwaterEcosystem #Biodiversity #Conservation #NaturePerfection #MacroNature #InsectMacro #FieldPhotography #NatureExploration #Dragonfly #DamselflyLove #NatureInDetail #WildlifeMacro #MacroWorld #InsectOfTheDay #NatureBrilliance #MacroMagic #CloseUpNature #InsectPerfection #NatureSpotlight #WildlifeInFocus #MacroBeauty #InsectEncounters #NaturePhotography #MacroShot #NatureHighlight

Buzzing Beauty in Bloom

#BeeAtWork #FlowerPower #PollinatorLove #NatureMagic #CloseUpPhotography #GardenGoals #BloomAndBuzz #WildlifeInFocus #ColorfulNature #FloralPhotography #photography