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[Tom Kellie]

 

 

Two Coracias caudatus

 

 

Both taken on 29 June, 2023 at 9:46 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/4.4, 1/2500 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in regular morning light

 

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~ A pair of Coracias caudatus were perched on adjacent twigs, one covered with long acacia spines.

 

They faced away from one another, yet turned their gaze towards us. The plumage colors brought joy to my travel companions and to me.

 

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Male Tragelaphus strepsiceros

 

 

Both taken on 29 June, 2023 at 7:31 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2000, f/4, 1/2500 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in regular morning light

 

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~ This male Tragelaphus strepsiceros afforded us ample time for portraiture, not exhibiting any signs of skittishness.

 

When he finally took off at a trot, his gait was rocking, with a pleasing motion that demonstrated his graceful strength.

 

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Aepyceros melampus Portrait

 

 

Taken on 29 June, 2023 at 7:54 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2000, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in regular morning light

 

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~ This female Aepyceros melampus was uncharacteristically near, exhibiting demure self-confidence despite our proximity.

 

The graceful profile and subtly wary gaze were a lovely moment when life's cares briefly faded away into insignificance.

 

[Tom Kellie]

 

Sagittarius serpentarius in the Morning

 

 

Taken on 29 June, 2023 at 8:06 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2000, f/5.6, 1/5000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in regular morning light

 

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~ Driving in tall grass in an obscure area we encountered a solitary Sagittarius serpentarius stalking prey in tall dry grass.

 

For my teaching assistant and his father it was one of the defining images of the safari in northeastern South Africa.

 

[KiwiGran]

Really enjoying seeing your photos Tom, they are bringing back wonderful memories. You had a much better view of the Secretary Bird than we did!

[Tom Kellie]

 

Let Sleeping Lions Lie

 

 

Taken on 29 June, 2023 at 8:49 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2000, f/8, 1/5000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in regular morning light

 

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~ From time to time there are situations which suggest that no action is the best action.

 

This dozing lion was such an instance. Leaving him to his feline dreams seemed to be the course of choice.