We often take for granted how smaller creatures interact with their surroundings, navigating the world in ways we can’t imagine. Award-winning Indian photographer Rahul Singh beautifully showcases this concept through his mesmerizing series of a female Crimson Sunbird using a banana flower petal as a tiny bath in the lush landscapes of Jalpaiguri, India.
For us, bathing in a flower might seem like something out of a fairy tale, but for the tiny Crimson Sunbird, measuring just 10 cm (4 inches) in length, it’s the perfect natural retreat. The banana flower collects just the right amount of water, creating a miniature pool where birds can cool off during the heat of the day.
Rahul Singh, known for his captivating wildlife photography, explains, “In India, the autumn days are hot and humid, but the nights are cool and refreshing. By morning, dew drops form on the edges of leaves and flower petals, sometimes creating small reservoirs of water in banana flowers.”
In this serene series, the Crimson Sunbird first sips nectar from the flower before diving into the water-filled petal for a refreshing bath. Singh’s incredible telephoto shots capture the bird splashing, fluttering, and fluffing its vibrant feathers. The vivid reds and greens of the bird stand out against the soft pink petals, creating a striking contrast.
Singh’s ability to capture such intimate moments of wildlife, without intruding on the bird’s natural behavior, is a testament to his skill and patience as a photographer. While Crimson Sunbirds are the stars of this series, Singh’s portfolio is filled with breathtaking images of other native birds of India, revealing the rich diversity of wildlife in the region.
For more awe-inspiring moments from the natural world, you can follow Singh’s work on Instagram and enjoy his collection of wildlife photography that celebrates the beauty of India’s birds and their unique behaviors.
