This photo was taken in South Africa's world-famous Kruger National Park, one of the continent's oldest and largest nature reserves. The picture shows a group of impala - elegant antelopes that are among the park's most common and recognisable animals. What makes this image special is the small red-billed woodpecker sitting on the back of an impala. This bird and the animal have a symbiotic relationship: the oxpecker feeds on ticks and insects that it extracts from the impala's skin, while thus ridding the animal of parasites.
It is a great example of how the African ecosystem lives in balance - each species has its role in the whole. The impalas often move in groups, alert but calm, while birds like these are constantly flitting between them in search of food.
The soft morning sun, the dry grass and the natural interplay between animal and bird give this scene something intimate and timeless. A moment of calm amid the vast wilderness of the Kruger Park - where nature and cooperation go hand in hand.
I am a travel photographer based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I document my travels, both far and near by, as well as people, lovestories and more. Picked up my first camera in 2010 and fast forward 10 years later, photography has become a huge part.. Read more…