Joseph Gittany, Desert Serenade: A dance of feathers (ANIMAL & NATURE 2024)

In the heart of Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, I was fortunate to witness and capture a rare and intimate moment between two Crested Sphinx Pigeons. Against the striking backdrop of the vibrant Merini sandstone, characteristic of this ancient landscape, the male pigeon displayed a delicate yet mesmerizing courtship dance. His feathers flared in a graceful arc as he sought to win the attention of the female, opening them wide from behind in an elegant performance. Using my Canon RF 100-500mm lens, I was able to capture this intimate scene up close, showcasing the intricate details of the birds and their environment. The juxtaposition of their subtle movements against the rich orange hues of the sandstone made this scene feel timeless. It was a dance not just of nature, but of survival and connection, etched into the rugged beauty of the Australian outback. These images tell the story of that fleeting moment of attraction, set against the grandeur of Kings Canyon’s dramatic landscape.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.