Red Banded Stilts

Red Banded Stilts

Captured over Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia during one of the wettest winter seasons in years, this image shows thousands of Red Banded Stilts gathered across the shallow waters. It was one of those rare moments where timing, conditions and wildlife all lined up, something I had been chasing for a long time.

These birds are known for moving through remote inland and coastal wetlands, but seeing them in numbers like this is never guaranteed. From the air, their presence transforms the lake’s surface into a living pattern, tiny dark marks scattered across soft pink and pale water tones. The contrast between delicate wildlife and the bold colour of the lagoon creates a scene that feels both gentle and visually striking.

This was a photograph years in the making. I had flown over Hutt Lagoon many times hoping to witness this kind of gathering, and when it finally happened it felt like everything had come together in a single frame. It is a reminder that some images cannot be forced, they have to be waited for.

As a fine art print, this piece brings a sense of movement, life and natural wonder into a space. The soft colours and intricate detail reward a closer look, making it a beautiful and conversation starting addition to any interior.