One day in mid January, a Robin visited me when I was viewing the Sugiton mountain range in the Calanques of Marseille. I tried not to move so it would not fly away, but after some time I realised it was not afraid at all. I squatted to come closer to this lovely bird. It stayed around me for about ten minutes and then flew away, not to be seen again, but leaving a vivid impression behind.

Six days later, I visited the same place but there was no Robin to be seen, until … I heard the voice of a woman saying “Ah, look, two Robins.” She was standing with another woman nearby, behind some pine trees. I could see the two Robins. When I got closer, I was of the impression they were not expecting food from us. They were enjoying our attention. That’s mutual interest.

On my walks in the Calanques I often slow down to observe the play of the sunlight through the vegetation. After every so many steps the scenery and light change and make me stand still for awhile. Even in winter there are wild yellow blossoms, often sunlit, making a bright contrast in this subtly colored landscape.

All Photos Copyright © 2019 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved