If you are a cricket fan, our Nelson is up; 111 posts and counting! So stand on one leg for luck, or whatever it is that the umpires do…
There has been a lot of lion activity around camp, with the Mhangeni and Tsalala prides operating close by, with the Majingilane ever-present. This year could see the Majingilane tested. They are spending more time together than we have seen them do in a long time, and are possibly feeling pressure from another coalition, although we have yet to see any major conflicts develop.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
Marabou storks adorn some dead leadwood trees in the grasslands. f5.6, 1/2000, ISO 160
The Marthly male lowers his ears to reduce his profile as he watches a herd of impala in the distance. f2.8, 1/400, ISO 640
Roars of the Tsalala lionesses led us straight to them on the northern end of the airstrip on this morning. They were calling the cubs and moving quickly, and as soon as they were reunited, the lionesses continued to lead the little ones away at speed. We believe the lionesses may have been chased by the Mhangeni females and wanted to get the youngsters to safety. One of the cubs decided to take the lead here, giving us some great photo opportunities. f3.2, 1/1000, ISO 640
The Tsalala cubs march confidently across Fluffies Clearing. f3.2, 1/1000, ISO 640
A Wahlbergs eagle enjoys the sun of a crisp summer morning. Johan August Wahlberg, after who they are named, was a Swedish naturalist and explorer who was killed by an elephant near what today is the town of Maun in Botswana. f2.8, 1/4000, ISO 320
The Tutlwa female glances up at a bateleur eagle flying overhead. Raising two cubs at the moment, she is a frustrating leopard to track as she spends much of her time in very dense blocks in the north of the reserve, as well as in the Sand River to the west of camp. f2.8, 1/1000, ISO 800
It is easy to see how a leopard can disappear in the long grass of summer. She simply has to flatten her body to the ground in order to vanish entirely. This is the Tutlwa female again, hunting impala on the marula crests in front of camp. f3.5, 1/500, ISO 800
The Mashaba female this time, reclining in a marula tree near Maddies Dam. I included this photo to show how similar she is in appearance to the Tutlwa female (yes I know they are both leopards!). They are, in effect, sisters, both born to the Vomba female but in different litters, with the Tutlwa female being a few years older. f2.8, 1/1000, ISO 800
An ambitious cub from the Mhangeni pride debates the wisdom of taking on a large male warthog. f4.5, 1/500, ISO 160
The giant kingfisher is in fact one of the only kingfisher species at Londolozi that actually eats fish; the majority of species here are insectivorous! f4, 1/1250, ISO 640
A good spot by Mike Sithole from the trackers seat saved this flap-necked chameleon as he was crossing the road through some leaf litter, and we managed to swerve in time to avoid him. A chameleon’s eye can swivel right the way round, and the eyes can swivel independently. f3.2, 1/1000, ISO 640
A beautiful sunset over the south-west grasslands. f2.8, 1/160, ISO 160
A rock monitor peers out from his crack in a dead leadwood. f4.5, 1/1250, ISO 640
The Mhangeni cubs nervously eye a puddle in the road. Lions are known to not like getting their feet wet if they can help it, and sure enough the whole pride skirted round the water and continued on their way. f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640
Tom Imrie and Jerry Hambana were driving along when they came across three impala lambs all alone and looking nervous. Jerry suspected that something may have chased them, and sure enough, a brilliant spot by Tom revealed the Mashaba young female, high in the branches of brown ivory tree. Stashed at it’s base was the fresh carcass of an adult impala ewe. The fact that this young leopard is bringing down antelope significantly bigger than her bodes well for her future chances of survival. Here she had taken a break from feeding to recline on the soft earth of a termite mound. f2.8, 1/320, ISO 800
If you enjoyed this week in pictures, please feel free to share it and let me know your favourite image of the week in the comments section below.
Photographed by James Tyrrell
Looks like it has been a ‘”sunny” week!!!! What striking photos you have showcased this week, James. There is a special beauty in each and every one of them. I feel privileged to share in these photogenic moments of each week. It helps me keep in touch with the cycle of life on the other side of the globe from Australia!!!!
LOVE the rock monitor one Jamo…
These pictures really do show the advantage of trying to photograph directly into the bird or animal’s eye. That’s what you would do if photographing a person, its the same for animals and birds. Especially if the animal is a leopard.
Any photos of the impala lambs?
James, you have outdone yourself once again! My first WIP was #78 & all these wonderful weeks I have been enthralled by the beauty of the bushveld & your magnificent pictures, especially the Leopards, this week is outstanding, my only complaint, there are not enough pictures!!! I can hear you sighing, sorry, but we love them. Thanks a ton & have a stunning weekend 🙂
Beautiful pictures – thank you! Are the current members of the Tsalala pride the two sisters, the sub adult and the 4 cubs? How is the sub adult doing?
Your sunset photo is absolutely stunning!
Saw this sweetie last March with her mama. So good to know she is growing & killing & just being a mighty fine Leopard.
This is an outstnaind gweek in pictures JT. I really enjoyed the BW Rock Monitor on the Leadwood, all the leopards and the Kingfisher. Well done. rich
What a beautiful set of pictures. I would love to see you guys produce videos of your adventures as well. Perhaps I will check out the site and see if you have any of these lovely creatures in motion.
Awesome shots! Do you know the Wildlife Conservation Network in the Bay Area? They are a client of ours.