avatarAnne Bonfert

Summary

The website content is a photographic documentary by Anne Bonfert that captures the stark reality of life and death in the animal kingdom, emphasizing the transient nature of existence.

Abstract

Anne Bonfert's photographic essay "A Game Between Life and Death" is a poignant exploration of mortality as a natural part of life, using evocative images of animals in various states of life and decay. The essay features a series of photographs taken in the vicinity of an airport, showcasing a dove, a bunny, feathers, bones, and a deer leg, all of which serve as reminders of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Bonfert reflects on the unpredictable nature of death, whether it be from natural causes, predation, or other unknown factors. The essay also introduces "Junie," a cat known for her hunting prowess at the airfield, as a symbol of the predator-prey relationship that is integral to the cycle of life. The piece concludes with an invitation for readers to engage further with Bonfert's work by joining her email list or becoming a Medium member.

Opinions

  • The author acknowledges death as an unavoidable aspect of life, yet one that society often shies away from discussing openly.
  • Bonfert suggests that while death is certain, the manner in which it occurs is less significant than the fact that it is a universal experience shared by all living beings.
  • The essay conveys a sense of respect and peace towards the subject of death, as seen in the serene smile captured in the photograph of the deceased dove.
  • The author implies that the remains of animals, such as feathers and bones, are natural artifacts that tell a story of life and death in the wild.
  • There is an underlying appreciation for the predator-prey dynamic, with "Junie" the cat exemplifying the role of predators in the ecosystem.
  • The piece subtly encourages viewers to confront and accept the reality of death as part of the beauty and balance of nature.

A Game Between Life and Death

A photographic documentary of the life gone

Credit: Anne Bonfert

It is part of life. Death. Yet, we try to avoid talking about it. We think by not using the word we can make it disappear. The end of life. But it will come. Eventually.

The same life and death exist in the world of animals. It might just come sooner and be more obvious. But it’s still there—the game between life and death.

This dove in the picture above was lying in the parking lot next to the airport just after the most recent storm. I can’t tell you if the bird got knocked out by something, fell out of the nest, or got attacked by another animal.

In the end, it doesn’t matter.

The life of this bird is gone. Forever.

But I kept the peaceful smile. In my photograph.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Another one I stumbled across was a bunny. It must have been a young one because we get pretty big ones in the fields in northern Germany.

I’m not sure if the bunny became a victim of a bird of prey or if it was the cat. Some say it must have been the cat. I know the airfield cat is hunting lots of m,ice and catching them. But a bunny is on a different level.

But then again, when an eagle catches its prey, he won’t drop it again. And that bunny was lying there. As a whole. Including the fur. I took the picture two days later when only the head was left.

That’s also part of life in the wild.

Dead animals disappear quickly.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Then there are more signs of life and death.

A feather lying on the ground doesn’t mean a bird had to fight for its life. It could just be that. Well, a bird lost its feather. Not more or less.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Moore obvious are the signs of leftover bones. Not to be found so often in our woods but here it is. A small piece of a bone.

Some animal had died here or somewhere in the vicinity. Possibly a while ago. But who knows?

Credit: Anne Bonfert

And then there was this leg of a deer I assume. It must have been a young one. Located next to what I think is the house of a fox. And if a fox had taken this animal down it surely wasn’t a fully grown deer.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

And there is Junie.

The huntress.

The hunter that is responsible for every caught mouse at the airfield. Almost at least. The birds also catch a few. But surely not as many as Junie does.

She might also be responsible for one or the other feather on the ground. Not sure, I never saw her chasing birds but I’m sure she does.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

And this was my different kind of photo essay.

One about the nearing end and death.

The circle of life.

More about my photo essays:

Join my email list here if you would like to read more photo essays or sign up for the Medium membership to receive unlimited access to my and other writers’ stories out here (I will receive a commission fee in return).

Life
Death
Nature
Wildlife
Animals
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