Photographer zooms in on Umbogintwini nature
There are more than 160 different species of birds in the Umbogavango Nature Reserve, and while the reserve is on private land, it is open to the general public to enjoy.
THE Umbogavango Nature Reserve is a lush hidden gem at the Umbogintwini Industrial Complex (UIC) which very few people know about but which is home to over 160 bird species.
Professional wildlife photographer Percy Mitchell has been visiting the Umbogavango Nature Reserve at least three times a week to take pictures of the various animals the reserve has to offer.
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“This reserve is user-friendly, and it is right on our doorstep. It is nice to see birds in their natural habitat interacting with each other and preying on each other as they should. I find nature very intriguing,” said Mitchell.
While he photographs all animals, he said photographing birds is a unique experience because you need to be patient.
“You have to find a perfect spot to hide with your binoculars and camera, and wait. Having a bird book helps because you will be able to refer to it to differentiate between different species.”
Mitchell said the Malachite Kingfisher is one of the most beautiful birds he has photographed because of its colourful plumage. The male Paradise Flycatcher also ranks as one of the most beautiful in the wild, and an interesting fact about the bird is that its chicks fledge only eight days after hatching. The reserve is also home to different types of the kingfisher, but Mitchell said an interesting fact about the species is that not all of them eat fish.
“Some eat insects and crabs, and some, like the Giant Kingfisher, eat other birds,” he said.
While the Umbogavango Nature Reserve is on private land, it is open to the general public to enjoy. UIC’s community liaison officer, Nomali Msomi, said the reserve was built to strike a balance between the company’s business activities and nature.
Mitchell believes if you respect the environment, it respects you back.
“There is this misconception where people think that nature is a resource that won’t deplete. If we don’t look after it, it won’t be here forever,” he said.
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