THANDA – Page 93 – Christian Sperka Photography

2016-04-13

Not supposed to be there! – Bird of the Day – Malachite Kingfisher

It is always very exciting to see a bird in an area where it usually does not occur. Malachite Kingfishers are one of the aquatic Kingfisher species. They live on Rivers or other large bodies of water. Finding one on Thanda Safari – Private Game Reserve was a very special treat for our bird-loving guests. Bheki (my Zulu tracker) spotted it at the waterhole near my home.

These are not my best Malachite Kingfisher images, but they are very special to me!

To view more of my Malachite Kingfisher images go to http://www.sperka.biz/sgb10

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The Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is an aquatic, small Kingfisher which is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara. It is only 13 cm (5.1 in) in length. This species is common to reeds and aquatic vegetation near slow-moving water or ponds. The flight of the Malachite Kingfisher is rapid, with the short, rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies low over water. The call of this kingfisher is then a short shrill seek. The breeding song is a chuckling li-cha-cha-chui-chui.

2016-03-10

On Bheki’s hands …

What is the little creature on my tracker Bheki’s hand. Not the fly, the other one?

What does it eat and how does it hunt?

Let’s see who gets it right!

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Boys fighting in the front yard!

This is how it looks when two boys are sparring in front of my house. It was not a serious fight between these two Cape Buffalo bulls and it ended a few seconds after I took the shot.

To see more of my Cape Buffalo images got to http://www.sperka.biz/sg12

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2016-02-23

Just beautiful …

A night-time portrait of a young Thanda Safari Lioness ..

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Reflections

I love the reflections of the ripples in the water on the pelt of the lions.

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For the photographers among you: This image was taken at very low light conditions (using a spotlight). It was taken freehand, 300mm, f5.6, eV-2.0, 1/60sec, ISO 6400.

2016-01-04

Dominance

Thanda’s Dominant Male – A Portrait

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2015-12-28

A bloody affair …

When Lions feast on a fresh kill it is rather a bloody affair. This young Lion just got his first share of a Kudu kill.

A strong image showing the rough side of nature!

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2015-12-27

Double Release!

Removing a snake from a place where it should not be can be a tricky business. And if the snake is a Black Mambas then it gets extra exciting.

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Yesterday, I caught the largest Black Mamba I have ever seen (see video 1). This beautiful specimen was rather calm during the capture. I released it this morning in a remote part of the reserve.

https://youtu.be/eZdahoey20U

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And then midday today I was called to catch another of these fast moving snakes. This one was more ‘feisty’ and was quite agitated during the capture and the release (see video 2).

https://youtu.be/Eoit1he0b8k

But in the end everything went well and both snakes can establish their new homes far away from people and buildings 🙂

The picture credits for today go to Letishia Kleinschmidt and Jennie Pretorius. Thanks a lot. My favorite shot of today is Jennie’s picture of a ‘Black Mamba Selfie’ :-).

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