Leila Jeffreys’ wonderful book, Birdland, presents some of Australia and New Zealand’s most beautiful birds. The intimate photographic portraits, as well as being a showcase of incredible artworks, also highlights Jeffreys’ ongoing work with Australian rescue birds and their carers. And opens up discussions about the conservation issues facing Australia’s birdlife.
In the book, the fine-art photographer presents the reader with a bird-watching experience like no other, drawing birds out from their leafy shadows and airy territories and presenting them with the skill and intricate detail of a portrait painter. Captured in a moment of stillness, Jeffreys' feathered sitters reveal qualities and features that invite human projection, where you’ll meet a cast of fascinating characters with personalities that shine through in the work.
In order to capture the portraits, Jeffreys worked with animal rescue and conservation groups, and her love and compassion for her subjects is evident throughout. Every bird has a story, and these are shared in a profile of nearly every species in the back of the book.
Birdland is published by Hachette Australia.
About Leila Jeffreys
Sydney-based Leila Jeffrey's commitment to vulnerable creatures stems from her childhood. Born in Papua New Guinea to an Indian mother and a Manx father, she grew up communing with wildlife: rescuing an orphaned possum named Albert in Papua New Guinea; living in a small village in India surrounded by monkeys, mongoose and buffaloes; living on a houseboat in Kashmir watching kingfishers diving for their dinner; and taking classes alongside a resident giant spider in the school room. After her family moved to Australia, her father, always in tune with the needs of wildlife, would often bring home injured birds and nurse them back to health, and she credits her late father for her love of nature.