Spring is upon us and as much as it doesn’t look like it just yet the signs are definitely there to be seen if you look for them. The first of the migratory birds have started to arrive, exciting times ahead with some friendly competition between ranger and tracker teams. Bragging rights are up for grabs and claims to be first to spot the new arrivals will become more frequent. The days have started to lengthen again as we head towards summer and the first rains are now the talk of the drying bush. The relief they bring to a long harsh winter are all soon to be a reality. The green flush and flood of young impala are distant memories soon to be refreshed. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves and rather enjoy the remaining weeks of the dry season.
Enjoy the week in pictures!
The tailless Tsalala lioness crosses a crest after successfully defending a kill from the Sparta pride.
An ancient dead Leadwood tree is silhouetted by the African night sky.
Beautiful colours as the day draws to a close.
Watchful eyes keep track of the Vomba young male as he slinks past a body of water.
The ever beautiful Lilac breasted Roller.
Life and death.
The puppies beg for a meal as the successful adults return from a hunt.
The only ostrich we see in the area may be getting a bit too lonely.
In and amongst the large trees that line the Maxabene, the Tamboti female closes the gap between her and a baby nyala, she wasn’t successful but it was an incredible scene.
Elephant textures.
A water monitor basks in the morning sun.
The unmistakable freckled nose of the Mashaba female.
Vigilant, one of the wild dogs keeps watch as the rest of the excited pack play with the pups.
Written and photographed by Simon Smit
Great pictures Simon, how do you become a wildlife photographer
Blair, I’m still on that road but I think its crucial to intimately know your equipment and spend as much time in the field as possible, we are extremely lucky to find ourselves here day after day and get the opportunities that we do…
Thank you for responding to me. How can I get those opportunities too I would really love to join you in photographing these beautiful animals if you don’t mind my asking.
Awesome photos ,Simon,love the elephant textures and happy to see the Mashaba female.Tony
Awesome photos Simon! Really enjoy the wildebeest portrait. Hope you don’t mind me asking, but what lens are you using to get such great soft backgrounds? Nic
Thanks Nic, for that shot I was lucky enough to be using a fixed 500mm f4, there are also shots in there through a fixed 300 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and 24-70 f2.8. thanks to a few different resources its a treat to use such a range.
Great blog and fantastic photographs Simon! I love the one of the Mashaba female…so beautiful, and also the Wild Dog shot…what a great image! Thanks for a wonderful week of pictures!
Thank you Simon. Your blog is outstanding. I love the ellie textures & the water monitor, but they are all beautiful & the colours in them are stunning. Have a great weekend.
So amazing !
Thank you all… Great to share it all.
Simon, Those are gorgeous photos! I am drooling over such fabulous opportunities to observe and photograph those beautiful creatures. Thanks for sharing.
A wonderful shot of the wildebeest.