Having achieved the milestone of the 200th Week in Pictures last week it gave me the opportunity to look back at the last two years and reminisce on past experiences and brief moments in time that we have all been privileged enough to enjoy out in the field. This week has brought scorching heat and very high temperatures; having said that, the pace of the bush has not slowed down and with the migrant birds flocking back in in droves, insect life burgeoning out all over the place and the bush rapidly gaining its summer hues.
Waterholes have been central to the activity as a number of animals have been congregating there to quench their thirst and of course the lion dynamics still continue to keep us all guessing…
Looking at the images below I think we can all agree it’s been another great week in the place I call home…
There are few things more humbling than staring straight into a lion’s eyes. We were fortunate enough to spend one morning following this Matimba male as he went about his business. ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/4000, using the sigma 120-300mm Sports lens @270mm
An incredible spot by tracker Richard Ntabeni; A beautiful pearl spotted owlet; often heard but very difficult to see. ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1000 Sigma 150-600 sports lens @600mm
As guides we often dream of finding or seeing animals in certain places. for me this pictures is one of those dreams. We were watching a herd of elephants when we noticed the Dudley Riverbank young female perched on the rocks behind them, scanning the area. ISO 640, F2.8,1/400, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @ 270mm
Sometimes a picture says it all…ISO 800, F4, 1/500, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @300mm
One often finds a sense of peace when spending time with these gentle giants. ISO 400, F6.3, 1/000, Sigma 150-600mm Sports lens @ 400mm
The Mashaba female gazes into the distance from the vantage point of a marula tree as the evening sets in. ISO 800, F2.8, 1/500, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @300mm
The new coalition of NE Londolozi. How long will these males remain in the area one wonders? A Matimba male yawns before setting off on an evening patrol. ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/125, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @ 300mm
Beautiful golden light is difficult to come by as summer starts to set in. There is only a small window of opportunity and being at the right place at the right time is key. ISO 800, F6.3, 1/500, Sigma 150-600mm sports lens @600mm
This is an image I have had in my mind for a very long time. I have taken some similar images but they have never been quite what I was looking for. A little post-processing helped achieve the desired result. ISO 800, F4, 1/800, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @300mm
This hamerkop waded through some shallow water in search of a meal. It didn’t hang around for very long but I couldn’t resist taking a picture with such a beautiful reflection. ISO 400, F4, 1/2000, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @300mm
Raw nature, Sometimes very difficult to watch but very special to see. The Nanga female took down a duiker and moved through the Manyelethi riverbed before settling down in a relatively thick area to avoid unwanted attention. ISO 800, F2.8, 1/8000, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @ 230mm
Another of a Matimba male, this time in B&W. ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/4000, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @300mm
The Piva male moving silently through a riverbed stops to listen to the distant sounds of impala alarm calling. ISO 1000, F4, 1/640, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @300mm
Tough lighting allowed me to play around with this image with some post-processing and I must say it’s my favourite of the week. The Matimba males have been mating with one of the Tsalala lionesses over the past few days which has left us all wondering what the next couple of months may hold. ISO 800, F5, 1/2000, Sigma 120-300mm sports lens @ 200mm
Written and photographed by Trevor McCall-Peat, Londolozi Ranger
Stunning images again Trevor!!
Beautiful images. Thanks for sharing!
Great photos. I notice that in all cases, you used a Sigma lens. The photos are terrific and I assume that you like those lenses?
Stunnimg images Trevor!
Great photos! The Matimba/Tsalala mating monochrome was spectacular. The little owl was also a favorite. Nice to see a photo of DRB young female. That elusive young leopardess is looking good.
Absolutely beautiful. Makes me want to trade in my Brownie Hawkeye.
Absolutely spectacular! There aren’t enough superlatives to express how fabulous these photographs are! Just makes us want to return sooner than later.
amazing pictures as always but that last one takes the cake- incredible!
outstanding photos Trevor McCall-Peat, you never fail to deliver the best!
such beautiful pictures, love them all
Wow!!! Trevor, these are particularly gorgeous this week! The final b&w of the lions looks like a pen and ink drawing, worthy of framing.
Well done!
Marla Oppenheim
Two time visitor to Londolozi
Beautiful images Trevor! My favourites are the Cheetah, love the Elephant and the beautiful Dudley Riverbank Young Female. What a great week in pictures, thank you!
Just fabulous pictures that I look forward to seeing every week.
Love the black&White shot of the Matimba male. Truly a great picture of a majestic animal. Your pictures just keep getting better.
Awesome pics Trev, love the Matimba and the Tsalala pic. Great job.
Barb I have been using the sigma lenses over the past month and a half and i must say they have really impressed me. Myself and Sean Cresswell have reviewed two of the lenses. Sean reviewed the 150-600mm Sports lens – http://blog.londolozi.com/2015/10/wildlife-photography-gear-review-sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-sports/ and i have reviewed the 120-300mm F2.8 Sports lens – http://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/wildlife-photography-gear-review-sigma-120-300mm-f2-8-for-canon/ go take a look. The results we had were very impressive.
Wow Trevor you have excelled this time! These pictures need few words except to say that I hope there wasn’t too much post processing to take away from their awesomeness? Stunning Thank you now I can’t wait to see what you are going to treat us to next time <3
Stunning! Thank you Trevor!
Fabulous pictures, looking forward to the next 199. Thank you. Victoria
Trevor absolutely brilliant as always! You certainly keep our dreams alive of returning to Londolozi one day.
I think this is my favourite ever of your photos of the week, there is no way I can choose just one! Looking forward to hearing more about your swim the canyon Surprised you d describe Guate as big city bustle , that makes me think of somewhere nice and charming. Never hated a city so much as I did that one!
I am especially pleased to see the black and white photos, It seems that the art of B&W photography and the subtle nuances one can achieve either in the dark room or digitally are remarkable, Thank-you.