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It is a miraculous sight, a privileged glimpse of a
bright lizard appearing to walk on water as it dashes with limbs pumping
in search of its next meal. But this wonderful picture is not a one-off
- it is one of many brilliant images captured by a man known as 'the
invisible wildlife photographer'. Hungarian photographer Bence Mate has
won awards for his work and, judging by these stunning pictures of
birds, reptiles and other curious creatures, it isn't hard to see why.Mr
Mate's portfolio includes at least two photographs of green
double-crested basilisk lizards racing across the water. Other pictures
show Dalmatian pelicans opening their mouths as if breaking into song or
being mobbed by a flock of gulls.Mr Mate, 27, can spend months waiting
for the perfect picture opportunity to arise, quietly tucked away in
hides which he has designed and built. The hides often use one-way
glass, which enables him to get so close to his oblivious subjects. The
photographer, who specialises in action shots of birds, said the success
of his work was down to careful planning and lots of patience.
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Making a splash: A bright green double-crested basilisk lizard runs
across the water in Santa Rita, Costa Rica
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...And the other way: A darker green double-crested basilisk lizard
dashes in the opposite direction, causing spray to rise around it
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What big eyes you have! This amazing close-up clearly shows why the
red-eyed tree frog was given its name. It was taken in Costa Rica
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All together now: Dalmatian pelicans open their beaks extremely wide as
if in song in this picture, taken at Lake Kerkini, Greece
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A predator swoops: A hungry grey heron grips a fish in its beak after
catching it in water in the Prypiat area of Belarus
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Bolt from the blue: Even as lightning strikes, a large mixed flock of
birds remains on Lake Csaj in Hungary's Kiskunsag National Park
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Fixed gaze: A female sparrowhawk opens its eyes wide while bathing in
the water at the beautiful Hungarian park
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Mirror, mirror: A flock of long-tailed tits stands at the water's edge,
creating a beautiful reflection effect at Kiskunsag National Park in
Hungary
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Graceful: A European roller is captured in flight with
its impressive bluey-purple wings outstretched
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Open-mouthed: Two male blackbirds sing to each other
in this amazing photograph, taken at Hungary's Kiskunsag National Park
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