Jump to content

Share your latest sightings...


Recommended Posts

Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.556c61cd4a4966716adcc22a54717777.jpeg

 

image.jpeg.8ad9c1598473fc326ce48b4396d5d329.jpeg

 

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

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ 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
Posted

image.jpeg.5bad3177d2127af78ee503653996a9a8.jpeg

 

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

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ 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
Posted

image.jpeg.1eed8db34b14b28e88b5169b55f793ae.jpeg

 

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

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ 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
Posted

image.jpeg.583018027981e96ed400cf69a88ef827.jpeg

 

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

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ 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
Posted

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
Posted

image.jpeg.a2d61357ea02d5f2dbe0169b87901155.jpeg

 

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

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ 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.
  • 1 month later...
Tom Kellie
Posted (edited)

image.jpeg.be5661de7a9bed2d54d5edc4a7668421.jpeg

 

 

Juvenile Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis in Flight

 

 

Taken on 29 June, 2023 at 4:19 pm 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/4.5, 1/1600 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in late afternoon light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ This young saddle-billed stork flew by on steady yet gracefully slow wing strokes, quietly passing by.

 

Beauty in South Africa takes a variety of forms, including the understated greys of a young stork in flight.
Edited by Tom Kellie
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.73afe686cf2cd9ebc70622f62ec23ef2.jpeg

 

Ceratotherium simum at a Waterhole

 

 

Taken on 29 June, 2023 at 5:12 pm 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/2.8, 1/200 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early evening light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ Quiet, so silently the rhino arrived at the waterhole to quench its thirst. Not a sound in the still air.

 

Size and strength paired with simplicity of motion...vouchsafed such a special sighting, gratitude and awe.
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.9600747be664235a37f6ae231a4505eb.jpeg

 

Manyeleti Dawn

 

 

Taken on 30 June, 2023 at 6:42 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 5000, f/8, 1/8000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ Living near a star has its benefits, when early morning sunlight shows the warmest reds and oranges of the spectrum.

 

The final Buffelshoek game drive began with a glimpse of solar radiation through foliage and tree branches.
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.3ff786e745636143521d7fab0fbcf997.jpeg

 

Kobus ellipsiprymnus  Male

 

 

Taken on 30 June, 2023 at 7:34 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 1000, f/2.8, 1/2500 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ We stopped to admire a zebra herd. Two waterbuck were standing toward the back, alert to our presence.

 

Whether for form or function, the overall strength and grace of a waterbuck is a memorable sight on any game drive.
 
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.da8d65468711a5123729efbeb7a2095b.jpeg

 

Male Aepyceros melampus

 

 

Taken on 30 June, 2023 at 3:39 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in afternoon light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ After relocating from Buffelshoek Camp to Ndzhaka Camp the first game drive covered fresh territory.

 

This male Aepyceros melampus was unexpectedly confiding, making possible a close range portrait.
 
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.cdc52cc8d1c26732ec79efb44965032c.jpeg

 

Turdoides jardineii

 

 

Taken on 30 June, 2023 at 4:43 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/5, 1/3200 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in afternoon light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ The strident call of a Turdoides jardineii directed our attention away from the track into dense foliage.

 

Despite the reduced light of late afternoon, this Arrow-marked Babbler stood out as it hunted for and caught a green caterpillar.
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.9a00528c7175d6c39436f7b510282cee.jpeg

 

Tockus leucomelas

 

 

Taken on 30 June, 2023 at 4:55 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/4, 1/4000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in late afternoon light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ This confident Tockus leucomelas flew up to perch on a snag beside the track just as we were passing by.

 

Almost as if posing for a portrait, it exhibited no obvious discomfort at our proximity and out-sized lenses.
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.3ae9641a6bf63ef0daf2f4f6f9d26445.jpeg

 

Tracker at Work

 

 

Taken on 30 June, 2023 at 4:04 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/6.3, 1/2000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in afternoon light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ Pastor Ronny Nyathi was our guide and driver at both Buffelshoek and Ndzhaka Camps.

 

His careful observation of pugmarks on the dusty track revealed the presence of a male leopard.
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.9e84f3c4053c383e394001f6340caf8a.jpeg

 

Foggy Morning in Manyeleti

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 6:54 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2000, f/3.2, 1/3200 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ The technical difficulty of making this image was due to the exceptionally high atmospheric moisture content fogging up the lens.

 

The scene we viewed from atop a mild ridge was the emergence of trees from a pervasive layer of chilly, dense fog.
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.3330547b3d3c74b964eda14a0c000aeb.jpeg

 

Cisticola chiniana with a Dewy Spiderweb

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 7:16 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 2000, f/5, 1/800 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in early morning light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ When this Cisticola chiniana obligingly posed beside the dewy spiderweb it was well worth pausing the safari vehicle.

 

Experimenting with various camera and lens settings resulted in this portrait, only possible as the Cisticola never flew away.
 
michael-ibk
Posted

Lovely photos @Tom Kellie!

Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.6854b61bdeb5d7b26f299a3ee185a7c2.jpeg

 

Lioness Fangs

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 8:12 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

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

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ We parked near a group of resting lions. This lioness strolled over next to the safari vehicle, almost too close to focus the lens.

 

She opened wide her jaws for a few seconds, making possible an image of her powerful fangs, fearsome in their structure.
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.57c29aacbc6e6c496494921907efb67b.jpeg

 

Lion Eye

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 8:17 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 1000, f/3.2, 1/2000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ An older male lion has survived through having retained keen senses paired with sound judgment.

 

The acuity of the eye in the above image emphasized the necessity of ever being prepared for dangers and opportunities.
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.1d36c6835a11a61600bec122d8ccf81c.jpeg

 

Quenching Morning's Thirst

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 9:20 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/4, 1/4000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode in a safari vehicle in morning light

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ We'd paused for a mid-game drive break, parked beside a small waterhole. The atmosphere was quiet, without any action.

 

Hence it was quite a surprise when a solitary young elephant joined us, quenching thirst with numerous trunk-loads of water.
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.0e8d925e2925c5bfa7839fc3aad4f772.jpeg

 

Chloropicus namaquus with Grub

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 11:30 am in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/4, 1/640 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode seated at an outdoor table in Ndzhaka Camp

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ The steady rat-a-tat drumming of a woodpecker had the volume and intensity that indicated it was nearby.

 

This Bearded Woodpecker was diligently going around tree trunks growing beside the shaded outdoor deck.
 
Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.48ee244f8a32f5bada32ed3e26cf4fd3.jpeg

 

Juvenile Dicrurus adsimilis

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 12:00 noon in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/7.1, 1/250 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode seated at an outdoor table in Ndzhaka Camp

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ For over one decade I'd struggled to make a decent portrait of widely observed Dicrurus adsimilis.

 

The years-long wait ended when this juvenile drongo perched on a twig directly in front of the lens.
 
Peter Connan
Posted

A lovely selection of photos from your trip to Manyeleti Tom! I can't believe it's been almost a year.

Tom Kellie
Posted

image.jpeg.f738ca71d23b0e139d601e91f5ecbbfb.jpeg

 

Glaucidium perlatum

 

 

Taken on 1 July, 2023 at 1:52 pm in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ndzhaka Camp, using an EOS 1D X camera with an EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II super-telephoto lens

 

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/4000 sec., handheld Manual shooting mode seated at an outdoor table in Ndzhaka Camp

 

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

~ Seated at a shaded table on a deck the lens was focused on a bush where helmetshrikes had been feeding.

 

In direct line with the lens and in ideal focus Glaucidium perlatum abruptly popped up from below for a most unexpected portrait session.
 
Tom Kellie
Posted
~ 1 July, 2023 was my first full day at Ndzhaka Camp in Manyeleti Nature Reserve.
 
Between the morning and afternoon game drives I sat at the mahogany table on the deck overlooking the glade.
 
The camera and 400mm lens were with me as I quietly watched Nyala grazing below.
 
******
 
What’s striking are the bird sightings. Without any special effort, and never once leaving the seat, over a 2 hour period the following species were observed and photographed:
 
1.  Phoeniculus purpureus Green Wood Hoopoe
 
2.  Prionops retzii Retz’s Helmetshrike
 
3.  Chloropicus namaquus Bearded Woodpecker
 
4.  Melaniparus niger Southern Black Tit
 
5.  Dryoscopus cubla Black-backed Puffback
 
6.  Batis molitor Chinspot Batis
 
7.  Dicrurus adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo
 
8.  Pycnonotus tricolor Dark-capped Bulbul
 
9.  Lybius torquatus Black-collared Barbet
 
10.  Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture  (IUCN Critically Endangered Species)
 
11.  Glaucidium perlatum Pearl-spotted Owlet
 
12.  Prionops plumatus White-crested Helmetshrike
 
******
 
To photograph such a variety of species while seated at one outdoor table over a two hour span is a special experience for a safari guest from overseas.
 
Ndzhaka Camp is a remarkable location for quiet oneness with nature. 
 
As the list above shows, it’s also prime territory for photographing less frequently observed bird species.
 
         Tom K.
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Safaritalk uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using Safaritalk you agree to our use of cookies. If you wish to refuse the setting of cookies you can change settings on your browser to clear and block cookies. However, by doing so, Safaritalk may not work properly and you may not be able to access all areas. If you are happy to accept cookies and haven't adjusted browser settings to refuse cookies, Safaritalk will issue cookies when you log on to our site. Please also take a moment to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy: Terms of Use l Privacy Policy