For many, capturing the perfect photo of nature’s wonders might be a moment of luck, but for amateur photographer and forester Ockert Le Roux, it was the result of nearly a decade of persistence. After moving from Melbourne to South Australia’s South East in 2014, his quest to find the elusive flying duck orchid (Caleana major) finally paid off.
A Nine-Year Search Finally Ends
Ockert Le Roux’s journey to photograph the flying duck orchid spanned nine years and covered vast distances across South East South Australia and Western Victoria. Despite its abundance in other parts of the country, this unique orchid proved elusive in his local area. A timely tip from a friend, however, brought him to a site just 30 minutes from his home. The news was too good to ignore. Le Roux immediately left work, grabbed his camera, and set off with his wife. The excitement of finding the orchid after years of searching was overwhelming. He described the experience as a “moment” worth the wait.
The Orchid’s Decline in South East South Australia
While the flying duck orchid is found across every state and territory except the Northern Territory, it is incredibly rare in South East South Australia. Le Roux noted that sightings in the region have been sparse since the 1980s. The decline is largely attributed to changes in land use over the past century. As agriculture and forestry expanded, much of the orchid’s natural habitat was replaced. This scarcity made finding the plant even more rewarding for Le Roux.
A Flower Hidden in Plain Sight
When Le Roux arrived at the secret location, he discovered two orchids, one of which stood only 15mm tall. Despite its vibrant burgundy and purplish-red hues with a yellow beak, the flower was well-camouflaged in its environment. Le Roux admitted he almost stepped on it, a testament to its incredible ability to blend into its surroundings. The orchid’s uncanny resemblance to a duck adds to its mystique, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Le Roux described seeing it as a moment of wonder, calling it a “remarkable creature.”
A Natural Connection to Photography
Le Roux’s career as a forester and his academic background in botany naturally led him to nature photography. His appreciation for flora and fauna has fueled his passion, allowing him to capture moments that many only dream of seeing. The flying duck orchid isn’t just a photograph for him—it’s a representation of patience, determination, and a love for the natural world.
Protecting the Orchid’s Location
To ensure the orchid’s survival, Le Roux has chosen to keep its location a secret. With its rarity and the risks posed by human interference, safeguarding the plant is as crucial as photographing it. His approach highlights the delicate balance between sharing nature’s beauty and preserving it.
A New Challenge on the Horizon
With his search for the flying duck orchid complete, Le Roux is setting his sights on another elusive natural wonder: bioluminescent algae in Victoria’s Glenelg River. Unlike the orchid, this phenomenon is even trickier to photograph due to its nighttime activity and dependence on specific environmental conditions. Le Roux described the algae’s glow as a vivid violet light, almost like a neon sign beneath the water. Capturing this rare sight will be his next great challenge, a pursuit he has already dedicated four years to.
A Love for Nature and Its Wonders
For Le Roux, photography is more than a hobby; it’s a way to connect deeply with the world around him. His work showcases the beauty and fragility of nature, reminding others of the importance of protecting these treasures for future generations.
A Decade in the Making, But Just the Beginning
Finding the flying duck orchid may have marked the end of one journey for Le Roux, but it’s far from the end of his adventures. Whether it’s capturing the glow of bioluminescent algae or uncovering other natural wonders, his passion for exploring and photographing the extraordinary ensures his story is far from over.
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