Last month, I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Mariánské Lázně, a charming spa town nestled in the Czech Republic. During my stay, I was accommodated in a lovely spa hotel, and not far from it, I discovered a small yet delightful nature park. Little did I know that this serene haven would offer me an unexpected encounter with a beautiful fallow deer family.
I have a small garden with a wooden fence, adorned with a bird feeder that's become a popular spot for some feathered friends. Specifically, I've noticed that sunflower seeds attract a delightful variety of birds. A titmouse is one of the regular visitors to my garden, often arriving in pairs, with the pairings sometimes resulting in gentle disputes over food. On occasion, when the seed supply runs low, they'll flit about, searching for alternative snacks.
As I stood in the quiet garden, I was struck by the beauty of a small sparrow perched on the wooden fence. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the scene, and the sparrow's feathers seemed to shimmer in the light. I couldn't help but stop and take eight pictures of this tiny bird, capturing its every move and expression.
Nestled in the heart of Klatovy, the charming Czech town, lies the serene Mercandinovy sady or park. Positioned near the boat rental point, this idyllic retreat beckons nature enthusiasts and photography aficionados alike. The park, with its winding paths and lush greenery, provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of local wildlife, particularly the delightful ducks that inhabit the nearby Volyňka River.
Since I built a small bird feeder in my garden, various bird species have been drawn to it. I've observed tits, blackbirds, magpies, and pigeons, but the sparrows seem to be the most frequent visitors. They start chirping early in the morning and continue throughout the day until late in the evening. It appears that sparrows have made my garden their home, finding sustenance and shelter around the feeder. Whenever I try to watch them closely, they swiftly fly away, showing their cautious nature.
The serene beauty of nature is captured in two distinct settings: horses peacefully grazing in the meadow and ducks gracefully by the pond. Each scene presents its own picturesque charm, showcasing the innate elegance and tranquillity of these animals.
In one frame, horses graze with contentment in the lush meadow. Their graceful movements and elegant postures are a testament to their serene presence. With delicacy, they nibble on the verdant grass, creating a scene of tranquillity and natural harmony.
My visit to the Zoo Brno was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the sheer variety of sights and sounds that greeted me. As I wandered through the zoo, I found myself captivated by the many exotic animals on display, from towering giraffes to majestic tigers and everything in between.
Yet, there was much more to the zoo than just its collection of animals. I was delighted to discover a wide array of food stalls and souvenir shops scattered throughout the grounds, each offering a unique glimpse into the culture and traditions of the region.
As I watched the pigeon dance along the railing, I couldn't help but wonder about the story behind this unusual sight. Was this bird a trained performer, or was it simply enjoying a moment of freedom and expression?
I continued to snap photos, marvelling at the pigeon's agility and poise. Its feathers were a beautiful iridescent green and purple, shimmering in the sunlight. I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and wonder as I watched it move along the railing with such effortless grace.
Blackbirds are a common sight in many parts of the world, often found in gardens and green spaces. They have a distinctive dark plumage and can be easily recognised by their melodic singing. I am fortunate enough to have a garden where blackbirds frequently visit, hopping around and making a bit of a mess as they forage for food.
One particular blackbird often sits on a wooden fence, gazing curiously through my windows and observing the goings-on of my home. It's always a pleasure to watch this feathered friend, and I often find myself marvelling at its beauty and grace.
Capturing a bird in flight is no easy feat. It requires a camera with a reliable tracking system, or at least one that is fast and has a long lens. Additionally, you need a flying bird that is flying close enough and not too fast. If the bird is flying too far away, some details may be lost in the shot.
Luckily, I found a place by one of Lednice's ponds where many birds had gathered, and some were taking to the skies. Others stayed on the water, creating a beautiful and serene scene.