A godwit in the grass ward hear young under wings by Hans Hut

The black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) is not only the king of Dutch grasslands, but also a symbol of the meadow bird breeding season. This graceful stilt-walker migrates to our grasslands in spring to breed. The young, with their downy feathers and still wobbly legs, are completely dependent on their mother's care. They are lured to her with soft calls, after which they crawl under her wings to find protection and warmth. A touching scene that makes you realise how fragile and beautiful nature is.
It was a bright morning on Ameland, and the grassland glistened with dew. I was standing still in the field, my camera at the ready, when I heard the soft call of a black-tailed godwit. In front of me was a mother black-tailed godwit, calling her newborn young to her. The little ones rushed towards her and slid under her wings, where they became invisible and safe. It seemed as if the bird suddenly had multiple pairs of legs, an illusion that only nature can create.

Capturing this moment was anything but easy. Black-tailed godwits are cautious, and their young often remain hidden. It took patience, respect and a good dose of luck to get this picture. But when I captured the scene, I felt like I had preserved a rare and precious piece of natural history. This is an image that touches you: the maternal care, the vulnerability of the young, and the serenity of the meadow bird breeding season.