I remember once reading that the first law of ecology is that everything is related to everything else. It easy to forget that there are a million intricacies that connect the web of ecology; when you really look you won’t just see the animal but everything around it and how they relate. Most live in or come from a world which has naturally made us rush through most of what we do. Its amazing what can be experienced when you stop for even just a couple seconds, and even more so for minutes or hours. This week I focused on taking time to look, listen and smell, and through that in itself I developed and new taste and appreciation for what is home.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
A beautiful hazy sunrises over the gabbro grasslands. (ISO 640 f/8 at 1/4000 sec)
A giraffe rarely spends time lying down to rest; we were fortunate to see this one in the beautiful morning light. Under exposing in camera helps create this effect. (ISO 320 f/5.6 at 1/800 sec)
Two Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills in symmetry. (ISO 1600 f/8 at 1/1000 sec)
The Talamati males were seen briefly for the first time since early March. We found their tracks trailing a large herd of buffalo; it wasn’t long after that they were found, well fed. (ISO 640 f/5.6 at 1/1000 sec)
The aloes at Londolozi are more than just indigenous plants, they are a part of Londolozi’s DNA. Stemming for Madie Varty’s love for gardening, most were planted years ago and are still present around the camp. I photographed this one right outside my room using a macro lens. (ISO 800 f/9 at 1/500 sec)
A marsh terrapin make its way through a crowded waterhole after feeding on parasites and dead skin of the many buffalo cooling themselves down. (ISO 400 f/5.6 at 1/640 sec)
Either end of the airstrip gives a completely different perspective. (ISO 1000 f/5.6 at 1/2000 sec)
There have been a number of elephant herds moving through the Sand River during the week. The perfect place during the heat of the day. (ISO 250 f/5.3 at 1/1000 sec)
The first sighting I have had of the not-so-new but very rarely seen Nhlanguleni cubs. The two cubs have been seen very infrequently mainly due to their first-time mother doing a exceptional job by hiding youngsters in the river. This was a quick glance of one shadowing its mother before disappearing into thick bush. (ISO 500 f/5.6 at 1/1600 sec)
After a mud bath, a swarm flies are reluctant to land on this buffalo.(ISO 640 f/6.3 at 1/1250 sec)
The 5 year old Tsalala lioness still shows glimpses of her youth. She selfishly chewed and played with an old leopard tortoise shell, swatting any other lion who came close. (ISO 1600 f/5.6 at 1/640 sec)
A non-breeding adult Wood Sandpiper, grooming itself. This very bird may even be on its way to the Arctic tundra to breed. (ISO 1600 f/5.6 at 1/400 sec)
A male vervet monkey finds higher ground while the rest of the troop forage below. (ISO 250 f/5.6 at 1/4000 sec)
The Matimba coalition returning to the comforts of the Sand River, ever present. (ISO 1600 f/5.6 at 1/400 sec)
Two buffalo bulls breaking the calm with pure power. (ISO 640 f/5.6 at 1/640 sec)
Thanks Don for your words, stillness such a treasure, & passes so many. Just love the lion with the leopard tortoise
I love your blog Don. It’s so important to just stop, listen and really see the beauty around you…breathe it in. Your image of the Wood Sandpiper is stunning! I also love the picture you captured of the Nhlanguleni female and her cub, and how fantastic to be that close to the Matimba coalition — what a great picture! Thanks for a great blog, beautiful images and a wonderful end to the week!