It's taken three years for the conditions to be right for me to capture this sequence of images. 

Photographing copulating birds is always a challenge as it's quite difficult to ascertain as to where it will happen and when it does happen, it is all over in a matter of seconds. Hence you've got to be in the right place at the right time and have your camera on the right setting for the prevailing environment to be able to capture 'the act'.

I had always wanted to photograph Sacred Kingfishers (Kotare) copulating but the conditions for capturing the pre-visualised sequence never eventuated until this year when I finally managed to capture this sequence.

As can be seen from the sequence below, it all starts with the male bringing the female a 'Love Gift' - an offering of food which the female very gladly and willingly accepts. He then mounts her when the actual act happens ending with him dismounting and flying off.