Now that you all know the history behind the numerous Aloe Gardens of Londolozi, I can take you down a brief and colourful journey from this winter. The Londolozi Camps are always an exciting time if you take the time to look a little deeper into what surrounds you. It is too easy to pace along the pathway, insistent on getting to the Deck for the next meal or to meet for a game drive that you have your “blinkers” on and are blinded to all that is going on around you.
Not noticing the little Robin-chat hopping around under the shrub three feet from the path, or the vervet monkey traipsing along the overhanging branch of a large jackalberry that towers overhead. What about the two nyala bulls hidden in the thicket in opposite parallels encircling each other ever so slowly that it appears as though they are frozen in time? The point I am emphasising here is that there can often be so much going on that unless you stop to listen or look around it will go unnoticed.
And yes, it is difficult to not notice the beautiful candle-like stalks of aloe flowers with their bright oranges and pinks. The aloes are always a huge attraction to not only brighten up the scene and add a flash of colour to the dry tawny browns and greys of the winter landscape but to the hive of activity that they attract in. Whether it be ambling along the Freedom walkway on our way to drop Sebastian off at the Londolozi creche for the day, pausing for a minute to watch a Collared Sunbird hop from one bell-shaped flower to the next feasting on the irresistible nectar of a large Aloe marlothii.
The journey I am going to take you on today is one of visual pleasure through a selection of images that encompass all the little visitors to the many aloe gardens of Londolozi.
Maybe it is on a walk to visit guests in Founders Camp that you see a fleeting glimpse of the slightly more edgy Marico Sunbird, or taking the time to get out the macro lens and spend some time waiting for a bee to settle on the exact flower tube that you are focused on. Or the dominant Scarlett-chested Sunbird bossing his way around and chasing off all the other smaller sunbirds.
Enjoy…
Sunbirds
A male White-bellied Sunbird.
The Collared Sunbirds were the most confident of the sunbirds to visit all the aloes I tried to photograph and as a result definitely feature the most.
Hopping around on this flower cluster watching over a female below.
You can see that the female Collared Sunbird’s colouration is less vibrant than the males.
Lapping up the nectar of some of the last few aloes to flower.
Female Scarlette-chested Sunbird.
This juvenile Scarlet-chested Sunbird was clearly enjoying himself as can be seen by the light dusting of orange pollen on the base of him bill.
Juvenile Scarlet-chested Sunbirds are sometimes difficult to identify, but their long distinct bill makes them stand out amongst the other sunbirds found at Londolozi.
Bees
In order to get a different perspective, I ended up lying on the ground under the aloe in the hopes that a bee would come across this clump of flowers and I could get a backlit clear sky behind.
I managed to catch this bee in action as it was about to land on the flowers.
I really enjoyed using the macros lens to get in a little closer and capture a lot of the finer details on the bees.
Seeing them from all different angles.
With there being so many bees and flowers it was a challenge to choose where to focus and spend time waiting for somethign to arrive.
Eventually, with a bit of patience and determination, something will arrive.
It was amazing how with a different background, the image can be transformed drastically.
Here the focus could be on the pollen basket on the bee’s legs.
This bee was only beginning her shift of collecting pollen and had a small amount in her pollen basket.
Other Birds
While enjoying the sunbirds, this Dark-capped Bulbul took a fancy in the action and flew down to see what was on offer.
A gorgeous Black-headed Oriole spent a litle time around too.
Other Insects
Even a hoverfly (Allograpta exotica), popped in to see have its fill.
Let’s not forget the butterflies that could almost be part of the flower itself.
As we were driving out of camp on a very cold morning, there was a lot of dew accumulating all over the flowers.
Amazing photographs.
Sean, Thanks for the reminder of all the “little” things that are happening around us while at Londolozi! The Macro images are unbelievable and you and the team should be very proud of the spectacular shots you got. We added a couple to our favorites library. You should also get a “bravery badge” for putting yourself in harm’s way with the bees – surprised that you didn’t get stung!
All the little things are so fascinating and I love slowing things down and taking a closer look. The bees had other things on their minds and did not even bother with us.
What a fantastic safari in itself
Thank you so much, Ellen. It certainly could be a safari in itself.
Aloe or the land of birds and insects! These wonderful plants are worldwide sought after for their healing abilities and beauty. But not really by humans only. An explosion of life and colours, I particularly loved all the details of insects
Aloes are magnificent plants and they have some incredible properties.
Oh wow ! Those pictures are incredible!! Proof that if we live in the “now” incredible things are unfolding all around.
Thank you so much, Kara. This is very true.
❤️❤️❤️this blog including your amazing images. The bee shot, opening this blog is superb! I also photograph bees that are attracted to my lavender bush and sunflower. Perhaps I’ll share my nature pics!😎
Thank you so much, Denise. It was such fun changing it up a bit and looking for the small things to photograph.
Beautiful flowers, pretty birds and lovely to see the bees and other insects enjoying the fruits of Mother Nature. Thanks Sean – enjoyed the blog.
Thank you so much, Leonie.
Hi Sean your foto’s are absolutely stunning. Your patience and endurance really payed off. Not to talk about you lying on the ground taking foto’s of the bees and showing us their legs filled with pollen in the basket,first time I have heard or seen that. The sugar birds with their amazing colours are so beautiful. You have put forward an amazing story on the Aloes and all the birds and insects that benefit from them.
Thank you so much, Valmai. I am glad I could show you something new with these photos.
These photos are just amazing. I love the sunbirds, they are so colorful and pretty.
And all your photos of the bees are wonderful.
The yellow butterfly could indeed be part of the flowers.
Thank you so much, Christa. I also love the sunbirds.
Wow Sean, amazing pictures today. Without the bees, dragonflies , etc. our environment would not exist. Thanks you for taking the time to capture even the smallest of our wonderful planet. Also, really enjoyed the birds.
Thank you so much, Wiliam. I really enjoyed the process of capturing everything so we all win at the end of the day.
I LOVED this post! The sunbirds are amazing. And I never knew how bees collected pollen so thank you for that. Wonderful photos!
The sunbirds are really incredible. And bees are such phenomenal creatures.
super photos, there is part of me wants to dedicate a trip to Africa and instead of the big beasts , photograph the proteas and sunbirds …
Thank you so much, Ian. That would be an amazing trip. There is so much beauty in the smaller things.
Some of the best photos ever!
Thank you so much, Linda.
Fantastic photography!