These two storks fly around near Alphen aan den Rijn. I photographed them in spring on their nest which is on the grounds of the children's farm.
I think they really express that they are a pair. The male (the rear one) looks very much in love with his partner. The line from their eyes to the beak gives something extra's to that expression.
I also like the bits of black wing that lead your eyes to the heads, so to speak.
The colour of the beaks is, of course, striking and it comes out so beautifully.
Storks are the symbols of love and new life or birth, but as birds they are free and yet choose a long-term connection with a permanent partner. They are nurturing. The male provides food for the female and his offspring during the breeding season and when the young storks are out of the nest, and when he returns he is greeted with loud clapping. For me, they are even more the symbol of love than pigeons.
I have been photographing since I was 15. Bought my first SLR (Olympus OM-1) when I was 23. Since then, photography has never let go of me. Had little time for it, though, due to career and my own business (since 1996). Now that I am retired,.. Read more…