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Exhibition Member Highlights
Purpura radiata
About the image
The subtropical coastal forests of Southern Mozambique boast many breathtaking bird species. When I went for an afternoon stroll at a holiday resort in the Praia do Bilene region of Mozambique, the excited calls of this Purple-banded Sunbird caught my attention. As the sun approached the horizon, the sunbird perched on a nearby branch in warm hues. I was able to capture the vibrant glisten of the Purple-banded Sunbird's feathers, giving rise to the photograph's name, Purpura Radiata.
SPECIES:
Purple-banded Sunbird
How it was captured
Camera: Sony A9II
Lens: Sony FE 200-600mm G OSS
Settings: F6.3; ISO 1250; 1/800 s; 600 mm
Photographer:
Age:
From:
Jurie Blignaut
20
Free State
About the photographer
Growing up in Rustenburg, less than an hour's drive from Pilanesberg Game Reserve, meant regular trips as far back as memory reaches. I loved it from the start. I got my first camera at age 6, but my keen interest in wildlife photography came much later. Sharing a game viewer with a few birders in 2021 got me hooked on birding, and photography followed. I am currently a second-year medical student at the University of the Free State, and nature still leaves me awestruck. That's why I enjoy capturing nature's special moments in photo form, hopefully instilling the same awe in those I share it with.
PHOTOGRAPHER'S QUOTE
Nature leaves me in awe of my Creator. Where I see nature, I see God.
CONSERVATION MESSAGE
Mozambique's forests are vulnerable to deforestation for firewood by poor locals and real estate expansion by rich foreigners. The locals rarely know better, and the rich are not kept in check by the Mozambican government. To save these precious habitats and their species, external efforts must be made to raise awareness and legislate against habitat destruction.