The Art of Recycling

Yosuke Kashiwakura's Image

Fascinated by crows’ artful nests, Yosuke was keen to photograph the birds’ habits without disturbing them. His chance arose when this nest was removed as a hazard by municipal workers. Coat hangers scavenged from balconies had been arranged among the twigs and twine. To reveal the design without distraction, Yosuke laid a black cloth beneath the nest.

City-living wildlife – and crows particularly – are opportunistic. They make the most of what they find, often with intriguing results. Many urban birds use human-made materials for their nests, which, however unusual to look at, can sometimes cause issues. For instance, clashes between the crows’ metal architecture and city power cables may result in blackouts.


Behind the lens

Yosuke Kashiwakura

Yosuke Kashiwakura

Japan

Yosuke's photographs depict natural scenery, the confrontation between human and nature, and environmental problems.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark III
  • 50mm lens
  • 1/100 sec at f8 (-2 e/v)  •   ISO 800  •   Profoto Acute B2 strobe
  • Sumida City, Kantō, Japan
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