There are moments in a nature photographer’s life that create a deep connection with the natural world.
One of those moments happened to me in the very heart of Espírito Santo’s capital when I was invited by friends from the Birdwatching Club (COA-ES) to witness a mother Common Potoo, also known as the urutau in Brazil, feeding her chick on the campus of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES).
An Unexpected Encounter in the Heart of the City
The UFES campus has always been one of my favorite places to observe birds. With its mix of environments—forest, lagoon, open fields, and even mangroves—the area offers an impressive diversity of species.
I’ve spotted rare birds here in Espírito Santo, such as the Boat-billed Heron, the Mangrove Rail, and even the Roseate Spoonbill. But on that night, the stars weren’t these birds, but the enigmatic Common Potoo.
It’s not every day that you get the chance to photograph a potoo with its chick.
Watching the mother approach, the chick perched and showed all its excitement as it realized food was coming. Its wide eyes and anxious movements revealed the anticipation of each feeding moment.
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE MOMENT:
The mother patiently fulfilled her role, regurgitating food directly into the chick's mouth, in a tender and survival scene that repeated several times throughout the night.
The Importance of Understanding Animal Behavior
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in nature photography is the importance of understanding animal behavior. This knowledge can be the key to capturing unique moments like the one I experienced that night.
When an animal repeats a behavior, such as passing through the same spot, perching on the same branch, or feeding at a specific time, it gives us the chance to plan and prepare to capture the desired scene. We can be more creative!
That’s exactly what happened with the potoo. By observing the repetition of its actions, I was able to adjust the lighting and position myself so that every click of the camera revealed the most details of this maternal interaction, even capturing the animal’s eyes without reflecting light (which sometimes causes red-eye).
Each photo taken that night was the result of understanding nature, and the images are a tribute to this fascinating bird.
Common Potoo: Curiosities About the Ghost Bird
While admiring and photographing this scene, I couldn’t help but think about the many curiosities surrounding the potoo.
This nocturnal bird, with its melancholy song and ghostly appearance, carries an aura of mystery. Here are some curiosities about them:
1. Camouflage: The Common Potoo blends easily with branches or trunks, thanks to its adapted plumage. It relies so much on this camouflage that it remains motionless for long periods, believing it is invisible to predators and humans.
2. Legends and Myths: In various cultures, the potoo is surrounded by superstitions. In some regions, it is believed that its feathers have special powers, while its song is associated with the lament of lost souls.
3. Nocturnal Habits: This bird only comes out to hunt at night, feeding mainly on insects caught in mid-air.
4. Peculiar Reproduction: The potoo does not build elaborate nests. It lays its egg directly on a branch or stump.
5. Presence in Urban Areas: Surprisingly, this bird can even be found in urban areas, such as the UFES campus, where I was lucky enough to witness this scene.
A Connection with Nature
Photographing this scene at UFES was special. Knowing that these animals live and reproduce in the middle of our city, and being able to share this experience with other nature lovers brought me immense satisfaction.
The Common Potoo is a symbol of how nature adapts and finds its space, even in unexpected places. It’s this adaptability and discreet beauty that I want to convey through my images.
Know, Share, and Protect
Every image I capture is an opportunity to remind us all of the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
Visit, comment, like, and share this content. Your interaction is vital to keeping my conservation flame alive and showing the world the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure! 💚
...
Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
Comments