Year 2026

This captivating nature photograph features a majestic white mute swan (Cygnus olor) gliding serenely across dark blue, rippled water. The swan, with its elegant long neck and distinctive orange beak adorned with a black knob, is positioned prominently in the frame, its pristine white feathers contrasting beautifully with the deep blue hues of the water. The soft, dim lighting creates a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, highlighting the swan's graceful movement. The scene evokes a sense of calm and natural beauty, characteristic of the Taubergiessen nature reserve in February. Copyright by Hans Enderl. #naturephotography #swan #mutswan #wildlife #taubergiessen #birdphotography

This macro photograph, copyrighted by Hans Enderl, captures a delicate white butterfly, likely a Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), with its wings spread, resting on a vibrant yellow flower. The flower features distinctive reddish-brown stripes on its ray florets, possibly a species of hawkbit or hawkweed. The butterfly's fuzzy body and antennae are clearly visible as it interacts with the flower. The background is a soft, out-of-focus blur of green foliage, emphasizing the intricate details of the insect and the bloom. The scene conveys a sense of natural beauty and tranquility, highlighting a moment of wildlife in its natural habitat.

This stunning macro photograph, copyrighted by Hans Enderl, captures a Common Blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) in exquisite detail. The butterfly is seen perched delicately on a vibrant green stem, with its wings folded upwards, revealing the intricate patterns and colors of its undersides. The body is covered in soft, light blue fur, which transitions into iridescent blue-green scales on the lower part of the wings. The upper sections of the wings are a warm brown-tan, adorned with a series of black spots ringed in white, and subtle orange-yellow crescent markings along the outer edges. The edges of the wings are fringed with fine white hairs. The background is softly blurred into a dark green and brown bokeh, emphasizing the butterfly as the sole, sharp subject. The image evokes a sense of peace and highlights the delicate beauty of nature.

This stunning macro photograph, copyrighted by Hans Enderl, captures a Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias croceus) perched delicately on a bright yellow Hawkweed (Hieracium) blossom. The butterfly's upper wings display a vivid yellow with distinct black spots, while its lower wings are a softer green with a prominent white spot. Its intricate green eyes and fuzzy body are in sharp focus, contrasting with the blurred, dark background. The image evokes a sense of natural beauty and tranquility, highlighting the intricate details of this insect and flower interaction.

A close wildlife portrait of two European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) perched on leafless garden branches in October. The upper bird faces left with iridescent green and bronze feather edges and white speckles, while the lower bird has its bill slightly open as if calling. The branches show dormant buds, hinting at a deciduous fruit tree. Soft, diffused autumn light and a creamy background create a calm yet lively mood, emphasizing the birds’ social interaction. Main outgoing emotion: a serene, alert vitality of autumn wildlife. Photo copyrighted by Hans Enderl.

This stunning close-up photograph, copyrighted by Hans Enderl, captures a European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) perched on a slender, bare tree branch. The bird is shown in profile, facing left, with its beak slightly open as if in mid-song or call. Its plumage is a striking display of iridescent greens, blues, and purples, speckled with numerous white spots, particularly prominent on its head and back. The starling's eye is dark and alert, and its legs grip the branch firmly. The branch itself shows small, reddish-brown buds, indicating late autumn or early spring. The background is softly blurred, creating a bokeh effect with muted tones of dark blue, green, and brown, which beautifully isolates the bird and highlights its vibrant colors. The overall mood is one of natural beauty and lively presence.

A close-up shot of a vibrant European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) perched on a mossy, lichen-covered branch during a light rain shower. The bird's distinctive plumage, featuring a chestnut crown, yellow throat, black eye stripe, and turquoise-green body, is clearly visible. Raindrops are visible in the soft, blurred green and grey background, adding to the natural atmosphere of the scene. The bird is looking slightly downwards and to the right.

Two vibrant European Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) are perched on a slender, bare tree branch. The upper bird faces right, showcasing its rich brown head, yellow throat, and striking blue-green body. The lower bird faces left, displaying similar colorful plumage. The background is a softly blurred expanse of green, suggesting a field or meadow, creating a natural and serene setting for these insectivorous birds.