This bird (oxpecker) had a free-range. The buffalo allowed it to go wherever it wanted to go unhindered. But why? Why would you allow a pesky bird to trample even on your eyelid? The poor buffalo had to close its eye in order to avoid injury. These animals have a symbiotic relationship. The buffalo needs to have ticks and bugs removed for its health and comfort while the bird needs food. One helps the other and vice versa.

          Knowing the relationship between these animals comes in handy for photography. We know that this is not a chance encounter and that the bird will stay on the buffalo. If you have the time and patience to watch them you may be rewarded. I chose this moment for the photograph because of the closed eye. It tells the story. It may be comical. It evokes questions. Showing interaction between animals is usually more interesting than just having one animal in an image.

          Be patient and wait for something special. Look for interaction between animals, especially interspecies interaction.