The last eight weeks were very busy and I have not posted as often as usual. But I hope you will enjoy this slideshow with some of my favorite pictures from this period.
Eight weeks!
Video of the Day!
Topic: Iphata and his askaris
Yesterday morning Iphata, Thanda Safari’s oldest elephant bull, was approaching a waterhole where his askaris were drinking. He showed them who was boss just by his presence. One of the youngsters even ran away before returning humbly to join Iphata and the other young bull for a drink.
If you wonder why they were all trying to drink at the same place at the waterhole, it was because of a pipe outlet which provides fresh water being pumped into the dam.
Elephants love clean water!
An askari is a younger male elephant that accompanies an older, dominant elephant bull. The term comes from Swahili and means “soldier” or “guard.” In elephant society, askaris are younger bulls that associate with an older, experienced bull, often forming a loose bachelor group.
Technical data: Apple 17 Pro Max | using all three cameras
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Picture of the Day! – Southern Tree Agama
Topic: A very colorful Southern Tree Agama (Acanthocercus atricollis or Black-necked Agama) was displaying to a female and forgot to run and hide as usual. So I was able to get a series of interesting portraits of this small lizard.
Technical data: Canon R6 Mark II with RF lens f4.5-7.1/100-500mm | ISO 640 | 1/500sec | f6.7 | ev+/-0 | 500mm | WB 6500K
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Big Five and Little Five
For the first time since I started taking pictures of wildlife, I captured a Leopard and a Leopard Tortoise in the same picture series.
This Leopard female was ‘guarding’ the small reptile for quite a while. It looked like she was hoping for a pleasant meal. But when the large cat relaxed, the tortoise walked quietly off, leaving the Leopard behind with a longing look on her face. The armour on the small creature was too strong to penetrate.
Leopards are one of the BIG FIVE, together with Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalos.
Leopard Tortoises are one of the LITTLE FIVE, together with Antlions, Elephant Shrews, Rhino Beetles, and Buffalo Weavers.
And the little one won today!
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#thandasafari
Video of the Day!
Topic: A relaxed White Rhino mum and her small calf. And a Red-billed Oxpecker calling and landing on the Rhino.
Technical data: Apple 17 Pro Max | using all three cameras
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And a few blog bonus pictures …
Picture of the Day!
Topic: A Thanda Lioness leading her five cubs along the road.
Technical data: Canon R6 Mark II with RF lens f4.5-7.1/100-500mm | ISO 640 | 1/320sec | f5.6 | ev+/-0 | 360mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode
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… and a few ‘blog bonus pictures’
Pictures of the Day!
Topic: Have a look! One of Thanda’s dominant male Lion checking up on the Lion ladies nearby.
Technical data: Canon R6 Mark II with RF lens f4.5-7.1/100-500mm | ISO 6400 | 1/500sec | f5.6 | ev+/-0 | 360mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode
#christiansperkaphotography
Happy Heritage Day – Usuku Oluhle Lwamagugu – Gelukkige Erfenisdag!
Happy Heritage Day – Usuku Oluhle Lwamagugu – Gelukkige Erfenisdag!
Heritage day is celebrated yearly on 24 September. It is also known as national braai day. A braai (know in other countries as barbecue) is something shared across South Africa’s many cultures and communities.
These are a few pictures of Zulu people dressed in traditional attire celebrating their heritage.
Heritage day is celebrated yearly on 24 September. It is also known as national braai day. A braai (know in other countries as barbecue) is something shared across South Africa’s many cultures and communities.
These are a few pictures of Zulu people dressed in traditional attire celebrating their heritage.
Pictures of the Day!
(or better yesterday = World Rhino day!)
Topic: Black Rhinos (left) are generally more solitary and quick to react defensively, often charging when they think they are threatened . White Rhinos (right) are generally more social and less reactive, often moving off rather than confronting any possible threat.
Technical data (left): Canon R6 Mark II with RF lens f4.5-7.1/100-500mm | ISO 1250 | 1/500sec | f4.5 | ev+/-0 | 150mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode
Technical data (right): Canon R6 Mark II with RF lens f4.5-7.1/100-500mm | ISO 6400 | 1/500sec | f6.7 | ev+/-0 | 450mm | WB 6500K | AV Mode
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Picture of the Day!
Topic: Thanda’s two oldest Elephan bulls and a young ‘colleague’ were walking last night across the savanna as I drove to the Thanda Tented Camp to give a photography lesson. What a sight!
Technical data: Apple 17 Pro Max | Telephoto Camera 16.9mm/100mm | ISO 20 | 1/640sec | f2.8 | ev+/-0
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