Cape Rockjumper

Endemic to South Africa, this declining species is one of the country's most iconic birds. They inhabit rocky slopes, where they bounce from boulder to boulder, and I was fortunate to catch up with four representatives south of Cape Town on the last day of our three-week trip. All were wary of approach, but I captured this female just as the sun dipped below the western horizon (hence the pink tones). I really like how the upslope, out-of-focus rock helps frame the bird.

Rooi-Els, Western Cape, 8/9/22
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
1/400 at f/5.6, ISO 1600