As exciting and interesting as April has been, it is left behind in hasty anticipation for May. We are seeing the fast introduction of the new as well as potential changes of the old, with everything in between.
Despite the dusty layer of fallen leaves and soaring temperatures this week, there has sprouted a sudden film of vibrant green following last week’s surprise rain. The ‘wet’ season’s final contribution seemed to just penetrate the topsoil and make just enough of an impact. Our eyes have thus been treated to conspicuous areas of new shoots, even more welcomed by the grazers, particularly Wildebeest.
This morning brought relief as the entire Sparta Pride was found together, answering questions to the recent separation of the two males from the pride. This seems not a moment too soon for the pride’s young males as two separate coalitions of male lions were on the property as well. Excitement and heart-pounding moments littered the past few days across all game viewing, and now, going into the weekend we consolidate and look back on a spectacular few days.
So, in preparing for the much anticipated new month, look back and enjoy April’s final Week in Pictures…
The setting sun fades away behind an array of colour splashed across the western skyline. (1/1600 at f/2.8; ISO 160).
An intrusive close-up of the eye and two horns of a grazing White Rhino. By caking himself in mud, this sub-adult bull attempts to suffocate any attached parasites; some remain around his eyelid, though… (1/320 at f/4.0; ISO 100).
The grim descent of a Hooded Vulture from an impressively high altitude. He showed us his impressive eyesight, after spotting a newly made kill during daylight hours. (1/800 at f/2.8; ISO 2500).
One of the Tsalala cubs, now a sizeable young male, catches his breath during a prolonged feeding session on a large Hippopotamus. The thick skin proved difficult to penetrate for the entire pride, especially this cub who’s missing a lower canine! (1/1000 at f/2.8; ISO 100).
The rutting season commences. Two mature Impala rams hold nothing back as they spar for territory. Opponents are shoved, battered, twisted and drilled into the gravel. The bleeding ram to the right eventually fled, lucky to leave the duel fairly unscathed… This time. (1/2500 at f/4.0; ISO 2000).
The recently harrowing arrival of the Fourways coalition from the deep south. The two males have been covering a lot of ground lately and have even been as far north as the Sand River, further than previously known by us. (1/800 at f/4.5; ISO 200.)
One of the two Fourways males raises his chin to make more of a passing scent; the smell leads both lions across the clearing to the remains of the Hippo carcass only very recently vacated by the Tsalala Pride. Potential for chaos? (1/800 at f/4.5; ISO 200.)
Our privilege, presented to us. Two sub-adult White Rhino bulls cool off side by side during the early afternoon heat; their precious horns almost cross. ( 1/500 at f/5.6; ISO 200.)
A beautiful setting early one morning as the mist only just revealed a single Elephant feeding in a clearing as the rest move away out of frame. A cold Leadwood tree towers the majestic mammal. (1/250 at f/4.0; ISO 200).
Slightly later on during that same misty morning, the glowing curtain of low-lying cloud outlines a dead Knobthorn tree while only one of the Impala ewes displays vigilance. (1/4000 at f/2.8; ISO 640).
The big news of the week. One of the Fourways males glances over his shoulder to ensure that his brother is following. Both lions seem prepared to face up to anyone prepared to challenge their presence. (1/1250 at f/4.5; ISO 100).
Which are you favourite photographs from this week? Remember how important lighting is for the final result; see the harsh late morning sun on the male Lions which creates contrast, compared to the gentle first light on the Elephant which casts no shadows through the mist.
Have a phenomenal weekend!
Written and photographed by Sean Cresswell, Londolozi Ranger
amazing photos, loved each and every one of them!
Sean – Very well written!! I’ve been following this blog for several months and love the stories and pictures. However, the first thing that struck me with these photos is that I can FEEL AND SEE the environment surrounding the subject. Very, very, nice.
I got something from each pic, but my favorites are:
1. The elephant in the morning mist
2. The two Fourways…he looks magnificant in this profile shot.
3. the White Rhinos
4. The Impala rams…I didn’t know they did this!!
5. The one Fourways glancing over his shoulder.
Thank you for a great Week in Pictures!!
Thank you very much, Kim. I am glad you gathered those feelings from the images, as space is such an important factor to play with in photography. I often prefer to open the frame, as opposed to having a tight crop on the subject, to reveal more of the surroundings; it is not always the subject which creates the essence of an image. Great selection, I love your fifth choice!
Beautiful images Sean! My favourites are the Fourways male lion shots…they’re very majestic and confident. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with the different coalitions in the days to come. Thanks for another week of interesting blogs and beautiful pictures. Have a great weekend!
Yes, very interesting indeed! Thank you, Jill, always appreciative. Have a wonderful weekend as well!
Great photos Sean. I must say my favourite is the elephant in the mist, so beautiful.
Great choice, Collins!
Beautiful photo’s again Sean!
I agree – the elephant in the mist is stunning ……. I see another canvas print in the making?!!
Another great series of photos! I enjoyed the rhinos, elephant in mist and the rutting rams. The Fourways males look good and it will be very interesting if they run into the Styx males.
I agree, Brian, the Fourways males do look magnificent at the moment. We suspect that the two coalitions have already come into contact with one another although no physical engagement ensued. But that may not last for very long. We will keep you posted.
My favorite is the sunset. I miss those sunset game drives. In fact, I miss everything about Londolozi – my favorite place in the world.
Wow, Sean – I love all of the photos this week! Extraordinary! Love the excitement of the lions — so wish I was there to enjoy it live and in person! Thank you for a fabulous blog!
Thank you very very much, Jenifer, I’m sure you both have had the most amazing time with James up north… Looking forward to your next visit! Keep well.
Thank you very very much, Jenifer, I’m sure you both have had the most amazing time with James up north… Looking forward to your next visit! Keep well.
Oh wow Sean these are awesome photos?! All incredibly atmospheric and emotive, they have made me really yearn for Londolozi again. Its impossible to choose a favourite but the elephant in the mist is tremendously magical, looks like a painting at first. Keep up this great work dude.
Very much appreciated, Dani, the mist photograph seems like it would be enjoyed by you! Hope to see you again someday soon… Wimbledon!
Sean – Beautiful photos! Love them all but my favorite if the close up of the Rhino. A tiny, shiny eye amid the muck. Great shot. Hope all is well there.