wildlife – Page 151 – Christian Sperka Photography

2013-08-19

Smart Birds!

At a sighting with six White Rhino I took this image of a Fork-tailed Drongo.

These small birds are known for their ability to imitate the sound of other animals and for their hunting technique. They follow large mammals and hunt for any insects stirred up by their large “helpers”.

PS: One of the Rhinos provided the background for this image 🙂

More about Fork-tailed Drongos:

The Fork-tailed Drongos is a widespread resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara. These insect-eating birds are usually found in open forests or bush. They are aggressive and fearless birds, given their small size, and will attack much larger species, including birds of prey if their nest or young are threatened. The call is a metallic strink-strink. Fork-tailed Drongos are capable of using deceptive mimicked alarm calls to steal food from small mammals.

2013-08-17

Near miss!

Today the Thanda north pride of Lions only missed some Zebras by a few meters.

They demonstrated perfect Lion hunting tactics to the Thanda guests when two adult females all the sudden disappeared into the thick bush. A few minutes later they drove the Zebras into the road where another Lioness was ready for the fatal attack.

But, this time the Zebras got away and the Lions had to keep hunting!

2013-08-14

Close up and personal!

One of the many advantages of a stay at a Private Game Reserve is that the guides know their environment very well. When viewing Elephants the knowledge of an individual bull enables great encounters. The Thanda guests on this drive enjoyed the close up and personal meeting with one of Thanda’s largest Elephant bulls, a very good natured individual.

2013-08-12

Special Activities

At Thanda Private Game Reserve many special activities are available for guests. Today I took my guests to a “Hippo and Croc Cruise” on Lake St.Lucia. Great sightings of Hippos, Crocs and many birds. Another very enjoyable day as part of a 12 night stay agenda at Thanda.

African Fish Eagle

Nile Crocodile

Hippopotamus

Giant Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher

2013-08-06

A New Male Lion for Thanda!

A new male Lion has arrived at Thanda. Today this magnificent animal was released into a large enclosure (called “boma”) where he will spend some time until he will “take over” a new section of Thanda as dominant male.

When the transport container was opened he jumped out, did a short speed run, gave a few deep growls and then slowly inspected his new temporary home!

2013-08-05

Morning Sun!

This images shows the Thanda’s dominant male Lion enjoying the morning sunlight as the Thanda guest enjoyed watching him!

What a start for a great day!

2013-08-04

Winter Rain!

This afternoon we had some winter rain. Despite the unusual wet weather for this season the Thanda guests enjoyed great game drives with Elephant bulls, a herd of Buffalo and this young Giraffe (in Zebra company).

2013-08-03

Center Focus!

We were the center of focus for this young male Lion when we watched him and his family feeding on a Wildebeest kill. The Thanda guests on my vehicle enjoyed the attention!

2013-08-02

Across a valley!

This morning we spotted Thanda’s herd of Elephants in a remote area of the reserve. We watched from top of a hill as they faded in and out of the trees. After the herd had gone by Thanda’s two largest Elephant bulls were making their way across the valley.

Not only the closeup sighting can be magnificent!

2013-08-01

Close up and personal!

Thanda guests often have fabulous Lion sightings. This morning the North Pride was resting on the savanna before continuing their walk to a near waterhole. They came close up and personal to one of our game drive vehicles. A thrilling moment for any safari guest!