ARTIST’S STATEMENT
A fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) perched amongst pasture grass lit by sunlight. These energetic small birds are native to Australia (where it is called the grey fantail) and widely distributed in New Zealand. Its tail contributes to its distinctive flight, twisting and turning in the air as it catches insects. It can often be found in forests, open scrubland and planted gardens.
An all-time favourite of mine, I photographed this fantail flitting about the fields as the sun crested the trees. I wanted to capture the spangles of light that flickered over the grass stalks and the moment of rest as the bird perched before fluttering away.