Meru, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Kenya — October, 2014

[Tom Kellie]

Warthogs minding their own business,

Neither skittish nor showing fear,

Deriving their own happiness,

From living together out here.

 

 

 

Straight Backs

 

 

Lean Flanks

 

 

Samburu Warthogs

 

 

Surprisingly Fastidious

[Tom Kellie]

When in a setting so scenic,

With hills becoming mountains tall,

The Earth's surface orogenic,

Causes one to feel truly small.

 

 

 

Orogenic Relic

[Tom Kellie]

Could it possibly be the eyes,

Which make a lasting impression?

Perhaps the diminutive size,

Balanced with finest precision?

 

 

 

All Eyes

 

 

Alert

 

 

Turned Nostrils

[Tom Kellie]

To live without interruptions,

Not using mobile devices,

Freed from digital disruptions,

Yes, the thought of that entices.

 

 

 

Petite Sentinel

 

 

Undaunted

 

 

Notched Ear

 

 

Aware and Ready

[Tom Kellie]

Keeping late hours does take a toll,

Long, drowsy days become the norm.

Lions don't intend to appear droll,

Yet to sleep's demands they conform.

 

 

 

It Was Another Sleepless Night

 

 

Settle

 

 

Endearing

[Tom Kellie]

Low-key is the lions’ watchword.

During lazy afternoon's heat,

An eye may open for a bird.

Their slumber is mostly complete.

 

 

 

Trifle Not With Me

 

 

Front Paws in Repose

 

 

While Others Sleep

 

 

Do Not Disturb

 

 

Listening While Drowsy

 

 

What Makes You Think I Look Like A Puppy?

 

 

Subtly Blended Coat Colors

 

 

Raggy-Taggy-Sleepyhead

 

 

Freedom of Expression

[Tom Kellie]

An afternoon of peaceful dreams,

Leaves one feeling fully refreshed,

Yet all is not quite as it seems,

For hunger hasn't been expressed.

 

 

 

After a Long Nap

[Tom Kellie]

It's not easy to lead a pride,

With sisters, cubs and hangers-on.

Troubles never seem to subside,

While wandering hither and yon.

 

 

 

Grassland Dweller

 

 

Lovely Lioness

 

 

Reading the Atmosphere

 

 

Time for a Change

 

 

Moving Along

 

 

Flash of Pink

 

 

Pride Leader

 

 

Purposeful

 

 

[xelas]

Beautiful portrait, #1 photo above! 

[amybatt]

Yes I second that.  I really do love a good head shot of a big cat and that lioness above is a beauty.  What wonderful light too.

 

I've caught up with the last few pages and so many wonderful moments, like the racing Grevy's zebras and the weavers' nests (which I find so fascinating!) but that baby elephant won me over!

[Tom Kellie]

Ocean waves are never heard here,

No salty tang is in the air,

Cool sea breezes aren't at all near,

Yet young lions don't really care.

 

 

 

Scent-specific

 

 

Early Evening Yawn

 

 

Far From the Sea

 

 

Giddyap

 

 

Lion Spots

 

 

Well-groomed Country Critter

 

 

No Existing Preconditions

[Marks]

I spent the better part of this evening catching up to this thread. I restrained myself from "liking" everything, lest you be inundated with notifications from posts you made months ago.

I enjoyed seeing the Doha airport again (after passing through last month - took a long nap near the "Copper Playground") and of course your meal to kick things off. The various shots of the Kenyan countryside and local life have differentiated this trip and made it stand out. I would very much like to visit the King Kong Shop.

 

Wildlife-wise, the bee-eater in flight, the various kudu, and the treetop vervets all deserve special mention. Your eye for detail has certainly not waned in the time since I've last read one of your TRs!

[Tom Kellie]

A long journey on a hot day,

Mostly spent snoozing in cool shade,

Too young to hunt, too old to play,

Calm, confident and unafraid.

 

 

 

Everyone Gets in the Act

 

 

Lean Little Lion

 

 

Just Passing Through

 

 

Within the Pride

 

 

Graceful Dynamics

 

 

Undeterred

 

 

Slouching Towards Sunset

 

 

Double Whorl

 

 

Footfall

 

 

Gilded Dusk

 

 

Sincerity Becomes a Lion

 

 

Moving Right Along

[amybatt]

Love those lions!!  So hard to sit here and NOT book a safari seeing photos as good as these!! 

[Gilgamesh]

Excellent report and photos. Your report leaves me feeling like I've been there,...not just the seeing the animals, but driving through rural Kenya....enjoyed the background info and images.....Thanks!

[Tom Kellie]

 

Do you know what species that is?
Well, from its distinctive plumage,
It looks like a Pygmy Batis.
Of birds we see, not so average.

 

 

 

Batis Aria

 

 

Grey Cap

 

 

Samburu Batis Perch

 

 

Pygmy Batis in Sunset Colors

 

 

Batis perkeo

 

[Tom Kellie]

Seeking choice morsels at sunset,
Mrs. Sunbird works by herself,
What savory tidbits she'll get,
Won't be found on a market shelf.

 

 

 

Female Anthreptes orientalis

 

 

No Male in Sight

 

 

Observed from Behind

 

 

Iridescent Deep Blue Tail

 

 

Can't Be Too Cautious

 

[Tom Kellie]

So you want to play peek-a-boo,
To show that you know how to hide?
You're a clever little kudu,
With lovely white stripes on each side.

 

 

 

What Large Ears You Have

 

 

Peek-a-boo Kudu

 

 

Twist and Turn

 

[Tom Kellie]

Dusk nibbling welcomes any fare,

In this arid land food is food.

Mother and calf move with great care,

Their gentle grace a peaceful mood.

 

 

 

Nibbling As Dusk Approaches

 

 

Listening to What's Behind

 

 

Life in an Arid Region

 

 

Twigs, Mother and Calf

 

 

Like Dribbled Milky-White Paint

 

[Hads]

awesome report thanks @Tom Kellie and welcome back mate.

[Tom Kellie]

Tragelaphus strepciseros,

A calf of exceeding beauty.

Back and forth it silently goes,

So lovely, a blessing to see.

 

 

 

Tragelaphus strepsiceros Calf

Edited August 22, 2018 by Tom Kellie

[Tom Kellie]

Cryptic pelage, rufous to dun,

Soft lines to avoid detection.

Safety and comfort all in one,

Perfect predator deflection.

 

 

 

From Rufous to Dun

 

 

Under Mother's Watchful Eye

 

 

Not a Giraffe

 

 

Bashful

 

 

Striped Pelage

 

 

What May I Do For You?

 

[COSMIC RHINO]

Tom K great photos  .good to see you here again 

[Tom Kellie]

Animal coats come in all types,

With patterns varied in design.

Kudus are graced with lovely stripes,

Beauty no human could refine.

 

 

 

Auditory Sensors

 

 

Nourishment

 

 

Savoring Each Bite

 

 

Minimalist Camouflage

 

 

Etoile de Samburu

 

 

Edited August 23, 2018 by Tom Kellie

[Tom Kellie]

Just as good as any other,

A blue tongue picks out choice foliage.

Dining next to watchful mother,

The calf can easily manage.

 

 

 

Browsing Kudu Calf

 

 

Un Mangeur Délicat

 

 

Contented Expression

 

 

Blue-tongued Browser

 

 

Nonchalance Personified

 

 

Placid Stance