WILDLIFE BLOG

I went up there yesterday to have a look around and see what the game has been doing while we've been away. We were out most of the day, so at times the light was very poor for photography, but during the morning and evening, I took some shots which I'm posting here. The first subject was a very relaxed Pied Kingfisher who simply sat on his twig and allowed me to approach very close... Next [...]

Along with buffalo, I find zebras hard to photograph. Which is bizarre since they're beautifully marked and often obliging subjects. Anyhow, I was happy to find this trio on the shelf by the river at Lion Camp recently, and the light was perfect. I experimented with some different angles and enjoyed the results. Batchelor groups such as this one are not spooky and, without any foals around, they often arrange themselves nicely to get a better [...]

While out in the bush with my parents recently, we came across a situation of 4 leopards in one place. I had only my 500mm lens so didn't manage to get a photo of all 4, but my father did. The strange thing was that the mother with her two cubs was joined by her 3 year old male cub from her last litter. The male is very well grown and a formidable cat, as I [...]

I was at Lion Camp with Kirstie, Sukey and my family after our wedding, and enjoyed some fantastic time with lions on a shelf by the river. There were 4 females, 9 cubs and two large males, so there was wonderful interaction, some play and some dominance. Here's a selection of the behaviour on display... Early morning, the big male was calling to assert his authority. One of the cubs was giving his best 'tough-guy' impression. [...]

It's been a while since I wrote anything on here! Sukey has been keeping us busy but we're enjoying being parents! From our house, we have a stunning view over a drying lagoon. A few days ago, one of the females in a family which regularly pass through came into oestrus. Males from all around showed up and began pursuing her around the place. Boys being boys, there was a fair amount of pushing and shoving [...]

My apologies for my long silence. Any of you who follow my FB page will know that 6 weeks ago, my daughter Sukey was born, so I've been a little busy! Here's a recent photo of Sukey with Kirstie while we were on holiday in Cornwall, and one of me with her on the beach. But onto other things. I have managed to find some time to get out and about with my camera while there's [...]

The Gymnogene (or Harrier Hawk) is odd among the raptors because it doesn't conform to the normal stereotype for a bird of prey. Slightly scrawny, with a small bill, and long gangly legs, it doesn't look much of a threat to anyone. But it's learned to capitalise on a under-used food source - baby birds in inaccessible nests, and insects and other invertebrates hidden in crevices in trees. I watched an adult bird feeding at a [...]