This photo captures a ruddy tiger bittern in full hunting mode among the dense foliage of aquatic plants in the Pantanal. The bird, with its reddish-brown plumage and yellow eyes, has its neck outstretched and beak aimed at prey in the shallow water. But look closely: on the tip of its beak is a tiny stinging fly, an unexpected guest that briefly steals the show. The green leaves and ripples in the water form a vivid background. The photo was taken in the wetlands of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
During a boat trip in the Pantanal, I saw this tiger bittern hunting and noticed that fly on its beak - a perfect example of how nature is full of surprises and if you look a little further you will see even more.
The photo exudes intense focus and humorous chaos: the bird is a hunter, but also a victim of a small intruder. It feels wild, vivid and a touch ironic, like a snapshot from real jungle life.
I used a telephoto lens with fast shutter speed to freeze the movement in the water and keep the fly in focus, while giving the background a soft bokeh. Natural light from the late afternoon accentuates the textures of feathers and leaves.
This work adds a playful wildlife story to a space, perfect for a living room or office. The warm brown-green tones suit tropical or adventurous interiors, and it invites smiles and a story on the wall.