gnu – Christian Sperka Photography

Starting last night, we experienced an incredible 146mm of rain pouring down on Thanda. Tropical Storm Filipo delivered the welcome precipitation, filling up many of our watering holes.

During the heavy rains, I took a short drive on our main roads (as all the others were impassable due to the soggy ground) but only encountered two animal species. A single Wildebeest bull was guarding his territory, and three African Spoonbills were standing completely drenched next to a waterhole. Most animals seek shelter in dense bushes during downpours.

I followed suit and returned to my home, enjoying this very rainy day!

Technical data for both images: Canon R6 with RF lens, f11/800mm | ISO 3200 | 1/500sec | ev+0 | WB 6500K | AV Mode

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Today: Blue Wildebeest or Striped Gnu

Sometimes people forget that Wildbeest are antelopes. With their funny looks – they are one of the Ugly Five – they appear a bit like lean and upset cows 😊.

Their social interactions are rather unusual for antelopes. The males are territorial and the females are nomadic. This means that if the ladies like the local place holder they will stay with him for a while. And if not they will move on to the next contender’s area.

That is the reason why a friend of mine calls single Wildebeest bulls the losers. When ladies approach a male’s territory then he will move to a high point in his area and start displaying for them. It can look rather odd. That is the reason why the Zulu word for Wildebeest is iNkonkoni, which also means crazy.

Have a good day and stay safe!