Share your latest sightings...

[Tom Kellie]

 

Young White Rhino with Red-billed Oxpecker in Flight

 

 

Taken on 3 July, 2024 at 8:36 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/8, 1/1600 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning light

 

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~ This image was made three days ago in nearly ideal lighting conditions with an unexpectedly obliging subject.

 

At the moment of pressing the shutter button there was no awareness of there also being an oxpecker in flight on the right.

 

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This safari was intended to celebrate my retirement from classroom teaching at age 70, without any thought of exceptional sightings.

 

As it happened, every major species was observed and photographed on multiple days.

 

Over 70 reptile, mammal, and bird species were present in cool Winter conditions.

 

Unexpectedly there were numerous White Rhinoceros sightings of different groups. 

 

Several Wild Dog sightings also involved different groups, as did the several Cheetah sightings.

 

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Given the recent outstanding wildlife photography and insightful comments posted in Safaritalk trip reports one hesitates to post anything.

 

My recent practice has been to post all images in my own Zenfolio website with selected images posted in Instagram for a wider audience.

 

website:  tomkellie@mac.com

 

Instagram:  wtkellie

 

***************

 

There are many thousand images to review, requiring time and care. As they become available they'll be posted.

 

Perhaps a Safaritalk trip report without much in the way of commentary but featuring appropriate images of various species might be best.

 

In other words, few images, self-editing to make available only those photographs with a small degree of merit.

 

***************

 

I'll be returning to Manyeleti in six months to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in South Africa's Summer.

 

Once again it will be via Air France with a half day layover in Paris CDG Roissy Airport.

 

This safari was the 15th safari in Africa, with the most frequent sightings ever and the most diverse species variety.

 

It's the wonderful Safaritalk community which inspires further visits to enjoy game drives under the African sunlight.

 

Tom K.

 

[KaliCA]

@Tom Kellie

Please don’t hold back with sharing your images from your recent trip. It will be a pleasure for us to see the animals through your eyes, if this Rhino baby is any indication of what’s to come. 

I, for one, would be happy to see a lot more….

[TonyQ]

@Tom Kellieplease do share some more images from your trip!

And congratulations on your retirement- I hope you really enjoy it. I am sure your students will miss you.

[Atravelynn]

@Tom KellieYou need to set a timetable up right now so that you get through your thousands of shots, saving the keepers, before heading off again.  Lots of work in store for you. 

 

Please share those fruits of your labor with us, along with your commentary, in this growing portfolio of reports!  All contributions are worthy.  How else will your students be able to keep tabs on you?

Edited July 8 by Atravelynn

[Tom Kellie]

 

~ Pigeons in the Paris CDG Roissy Aéroport are bilingual?

 

Who knew?

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Pternistis swainsonii on a Track

 

 

Taken on 25 June, 2024 at 4:14 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/8, 1/2500 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in afternoon light

 

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~ This was one of the first images made on the initial game drive after having newly returned to South Africa.

 

The bird paused in the track for several seconds which made possible a reasonably satisfactory portrait.

 

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Getting the Point

 

 

Taken on 25 June, 2024 at 5:23 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 1250, f/2.8, 1/80 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in limited dusk light

 

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~ Two younger elephants were playing in a waterhole, at times with vigor, at other moments with friendly affection.

 

The smaller placed the tip of its trunk on the point of the tusk of the other, leaving it there for several seconds.

[Peter Connan]

Such a beautiful moment @Tom Kellie! Fabulous.

[Geoff]

Wow @Tom KellieJust had a look at this thread after 6 years away. You've taken some excellent images. Keep up the good work.

[Tom Kellie]

8 minutes ago, Geoff said:

Wow @Tom KellieJust had a look at this thread after 6 years away. You've taken some excellent images. Keep up the good work.

 

~ @Geoff:

 

Thank you so much!

 

When I'm out in the field on a game drive, you're the Safaritalk member who comes to mind.

 

Your long-ago practical advice to me about minimal post-processing regarding colors and luminosity has made all the difference over the years.

 

I'm forever in your debt.

 

      Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

 

 

 

Leptailurus serval

 

 

Taken on 25 June, 2024 at 7:12 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 8000, f/2.8, 1/320 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle at night with a handheld light

 

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~ In 14 previous visits to Africa there had never been any serval sighting during any game drive.

 

This sighting at the close of the first game drive turned out to be the first of several servals encountered in Manyeleti.

[TonyQ]

@Tom Kelliethe Serval is such a beautiful cat, and so well photographed!

[Tom Kellie]

 

 

Lupulella adustus

 

 

Taken on 25 June, 2024 at 7:45 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 10000, f/2.8, 1/80 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle at night with a handheld light

 

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~ Shortly after leaving the serval sighting another species appeared on the night-darkened track, startling us.

 

A Side-Striped Jackal was unmistakably following a scent while crossing the track, briefly glancing at us.

[Tom Kellie]

 

Necrosyrtes monachus

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 6:40 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/500 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning overcast light

 

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~ The morning game drive of the second day in Manyeleti began with an extended sighting of two Hooded Vultures.

 

They were cleaning the dried remains of a buffalo killed by lions one week earlier. Despite the chill morning air they were quite active.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Necrosyrtes monachus on a Buffalo Skull

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 6:44 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/400 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning overcast light

 

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~ Here's one for Hamlet and all who seriously contemplate destiny. The vulture posed on the skull for nearly two minutes

 

The plumage ruffled slightly in the cool morning breeze. The stillness of the setting near a lake underscored the scene's solemn finality.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

 

Struthio camelus in a Manyeleti Winter Morning

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 6:59 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/800 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning overcast light

 

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~ Graceful footwork on short grass with rather chilly temperatures — this male Ostrich briefly posed for the lens when walking away.

 

One of the iconic images of a safari, the striking ostrich plumage accentuates the sheer scale of the bird. Impressive and somehow reassuring.

 

 

Edited September 9 by Tom Kellie

[Tom Kellie]

 

Manyeleti Tree Silhouette in Winter

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 7:00 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/800 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning overcast light

 

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~ The natural color image expresses the chilly, barren sensation of Winter in Manyeleti, wherein foliage has largely fallen to enrich the soil.

 

Each game drive is a fresh encounter with the ongoing pageant of the natural world, whether lush or arid, still beautiful and engaging.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Solitary Male Aepyceros melampus

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 7:21 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/1000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning overcast light

 

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~ The morning game drive had been without any impala sightings when we rounded a bend where this solitary male stood near the track.

 

The visual harmony of an impala in their natural environment is one of the joys of returning to Africa for game drives. A lovely species throughout the year.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Separated by Less Than One Meter

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 8:25 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/1600 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning overcast light

 

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~ There was substantial preparatory behavioral drama when this male White Rhino was confronted by the Lead Bull of an African Buffalo Herd.

 

Head shaking, rolled eyes, ears flicking, snorting, then direct head-to-head confrontation. The rhino finally turned around leaving the Buffalo Bull alone.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

The Boss

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 8:33 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/1250 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning overcast light

 

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~ After a confrontation with a male White Rhino what is there to do but to return to the pleasant business of grazing?

 

The formidable equipment of Syncerus caffer serves as a visual deterrent to any casual jousting save by the foolhardy.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

At Rest

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 9:02 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/3200 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning overcast light

 

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~ During the night lion roars were frequent, therefore we sought where they might be resting in the nearby area.

 

This lioness was in dried grass, seemingly resting while simultaneously keeping an eye on her younger pride members.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Unruffled

 

 

Taken on 26 June, 2024 at 8:53 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/2000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning overcast light

 

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~ Observing at close range a pride which had come towards us, the male lion in the midst was almost nonchalant in his calm.

 

Self-evidently the veteran of numerous confrontations and hunts, his sangfroid was impressive.

 

[Peter Connan]

Beautiful sightings Tom!

Not to derail the thread, but the interaction you witnessed between the buffalo and the rhino strikes me as possibly being the result of something that has concerned me for some time.

Is there a change in behavior that results from de-horning these animals? Because surely the rhino would normally have the upper hand in that argument by a long way, and I've never heard that they are known for backing down from any argument?

[offshorebirder]

I agree @Peter Connan - buffalo are perceptive enough to know the Rhino has a blunt forehead and not a wicked horn.   And the rhino is perceptive enough to know the buff has two sharp horns and it has none.     Pointy horns versus size + thick hide is closer to a draw - seems like a rhino with a horn would have moved that buff right out of there.

[Tom Kellie]

~ @Peter Connanand @offshorebirder:

 

Thank you so much for your interest and insightful comments.

 

I lack the experience and training to offer an interpretation of the behavior I observed and photographed.

 

Oddly enough, it occurred adjacent to the waterhole immediately south (a brief walk) of the Buffelshoek Tented Camp where I would stay one week later.

 

******

 

To expand on the sighting, a rather large (over 150) herd of African Buffalo were grazing around the waterhole.

 

The solitary White Rhinoceros (later in the safari there were a number of White Rhino group sightings) was likewise grazing, more on the margins of the herd, somewhat near the track

 

About four male Buffalo were standing in a phalanx, watching the Rhino, with signs of hostility in their stance and overall appearance.

 

The largest Buffalo bull stepped forward, slowly and somewhat melodramatically approaching the Rhino.

 

When the distance separating the heads of the two was less than three meters there was almost stylized behavioral shift in both animals.

 

The Buffalo snorted, rolled his head from side to side, lowered his head to increase horn exposure and slowly moved forward.

 

The Rhino stamped his right foot several times, likewise loudly snorted, lowered his head and shook it several times.

 

This went on for a bit more than 30 seconds, with the closest approach of the heads being slightly less than one meter.

 

It bears noting that a number of male Buffalo onlookers were watching but they never exhibited any inclination of joining in.

 

The confrontation came to an abrupt end without any direct physical contact.

 

The Rhino slowly turned around, continuously grazing, and walked away.

 

The Buffalo commenced grazing while keeping an eye on the departing Rhino.

 

For illustrative purposes a few more images will be posted below.

 

As ever, I learned from both of your comments which reflect your extensive respective field experience.

 

         Tom K.