The Washline Family

A Malachite Tale

My serendipitous encounter with a female Malachite Sunbird began as an “ordinary” moment with what seemed like just another garden bird. Yet it evolved into a profound two-month journey with her family. I bonded deeply with the Malachite Sunbirds and was privileged to witness and document the complete birthing cycle of her two fledglings—celebrating their triumphs and sharing in their fears.

The Malachite Sunbird eBook tells of my personal, boots-on-the-ground understanding of their complex language, which sparked a new appreciation for the smaller life forms living on our doorsteps. In the eBook, I share my transition from advertising to wildlife photography and the lessons learned along the way—how bird language, patience, and observation helped me capture these intimate Malachite Sunbird moments. The eBook celebrates everyday nature and how familiar birds can transform our connection to the wild.

Book Preview

Price R170.00 – eBook format Only.
All proceeds from bird book and print sales go to wildlife organisations – see organisations.

The Washline Family memoir
Learning bird Language
Garden photography advice and tips
Micro photography and garden inhabitants
Ingenious plants and bird feeders
Chacma baboons, predators and other threats

“Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive.” — Marty Rubin

Clive Stewart

I consider myself fortunate to still reside amidst pockets of nature and wildlife, even as urbanization continues to encroach upon these spaces with each passing day.

Reconnecting with the natural world doesn’t require vast amounts of time or extensive travel to exotic locations to cultivate meaningful experiences. Within the confines of our gardens, smaller life forms—birds, reptiles, and insects—patiently await discovery, each with their own story to tell.

Since the dawn of humankind, animals have played an integral role in our narratives, often depicted in ancient rock art. Though we may be the authors of these stories, the stories themselves belong to the animals.

To the Animal Kingdom, both past and present—thank you for creating such a wonderful and diverse world.

Wall Art - Micro Prints

All the insects in the featured gallery were deceased and found naturally — on pavements, window sills, in swimming pool filters etc — each discovered by chance rather than intent. This site aims to raise awareness for the small, the vulnerable creatures that share our world.

These high-resolution micro prints offer a fresh perspective on the unseen nature that exists right on our doorsteps. Each piece of wall art invites you to pause and appreciate the intricate detail and quiet beauty within these tiny life forms. The micro prints reveal a hidden world we so often pass by — one rich in texture, pattern, and colour.

Ideal as statement wall art, these works bring the outdoors in. The micro prints are produced on archival photographic paper for longevity and vivid colour, while larger prints are created on specialised fabric and mounted on lightweight aluminium frames, creating a modern, elegant display. Each micro print wall art piece tells a quiet story of fragility, connection, and overlooked beauty in everyday life.

Click on Images to View Print Sizes, Mediums and Prices

Most of my micro photography is done in studio using a 1:10x ratio using deceased insects I find on the road, swimming pools, window ledges, as I do not subscribe to the principle of killing any living creature, irrespective of species or size. The final high-resolution print consists of thousands of images, up to 12,000, which are stacked together using specialised microscopic lenses, stacking equipment, and dedicated software’s. Cleaning of insect to final edit, takes ± 3 to 8 days to complete.