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

[TonyQ]

@@Tom Kellie

It is great to be able to re-visit Meru through your eyes- lovely photos of a wonderful park.

[Atravelynn]

Their straight necks like notes on a staff -- and what might that song be?

 

Their lofty browsing seems tranquil,

In that giraffes seldom hurry.

Their lifestyle is rather peaceful,

As if free from any worry.

An apt description

[optig]

@@Tom Kellie your photos of reticulated giraffes are simply awesome. They are such beautiful animals and have such distinctive patterns.

[Tom Kellie]

The deep red soil surface provides,

Nutrients for birds from above.

After flying down from all sides,

They peck faster than any dove.

On the Ground from the Tree Branches Above

Red Soil and Vidua paradisaea

Together Yet Separate

Two Male Vidua paradisaea with Females

[Tom Kellie]

Unmistakable and pink yet,

Dicrostachys cinerea,

Has gay blooms which are a sure bet,

To brighten any area.

Suspension Without Detention

Dicrostachys cinerea

Arrangement in Light Green, Pink and Saffron

[Tom Kellie]

In a shady spot, a bustard,

Half in sunlight, half in the dark,

Hearing us it glances backward,

A typical bird in this park.

Close Range Bustard View

Black-bellied Bustard

Male Eupodotis melanogaster Entering Shade

[optig]

@@Tom Kellie you're a master of the photographing the small details of safari. I'm gradually taking up in in interest in botany thanks to you.

[Tom Kellie]

A park is a small neighborhood,

Where plants and animals reside.

We respect their space as we should,

They sometimes need places to hide.

Dark Chocolate Seeds

Small Rhino Midden

Where Are the Builders?

Small-scale Major Architecture

[Tom Kellie]

For herbivores grass is cuisine,

Of the highest order, the stuff,

To maintain them active and lean,

Thus they eat only just enough.

In a Reed Patch

Munching

[Tom Kellie]

Frilly ear flaps on a mother,

Buffalo caught my attention,

Being unlike any other,

And therefore worthy of mention.

Under Hot Sun

Buffalo and Egrets

Love Them Frilly Ole Ear Flaps!

[optig]

@tomKeliie These are classic buffalo shots. I also love the photos of the cattle egrets. I really wish that you would write and publish a book.

[Tom Kellie]

That it's a shrike there's little doubt,

The sharp hooked bill gives it away.

Taita or Long-tailed? I'm without,

Enough experience to say.

Shrike and Friends

Lanius sp.

[Tom Kellie]

Although I'd seen a few female,

Lesser Kudu, never yet had,

I encountered an adult male,

Thus seeing this ram I felt glad.

My First-ever Male Lesser Kudu

Tragelaphus imberbis

Lesser Kudu Ram Profile

Moving Away Yet Wary

Subtle Cryptic Markings for Protection

[optig]

@@Tom Kellie I just love your photos of the buffalo as well as the accompanying comments. The cattle egrets are great as well. I also like your photos of the lesser kudu because I can see that they're so much smaller.

Edited December 23, 2016 by optig

[offshorebirder]

@@Tom Kellie - I think the Shrike is a Long-tailed Fiscal. The bird in your photo lacks the white stripe where the mantle meets the folded wing coverts (that Taita Fiscal would show). And the tail of the bird seems too long for Taita Fiscal. Its tail seems a bit short for Long-tailed Fiscal but perhaps the bird is in very worn plumage.

[Tom Kellie]

That nimble impala are fleet,

Is self-evident when they run.

They leap skyward on agile feet,

Exhilarating and great fun.

Impala Crossing a Track

Outstretched

Startled Nearby

Female Impala Running Past

Ears Alert

Within the Rhino Sanctuary

[Tom Kellie]

Markings that seem so primitive,

Yet also contemporary,

Appeal to feelings instinctive,

A beauty not transitory.

Asymmetrical Markings

Small Footprint, Large Impact

Straightforward

Without Condescension

Reticulated Giraffe Motif

Reticulated Giraffe in the Rhino Sanctuary

Remarkably Efficient Browser

Giraffe Neck

[Tom Kellie]

Togetherness seen in action,

Lady waterbuck tightly bound.

Friendship to their satisfaction,

In cooperation is found.

Rhino Sanctuary Waterbuck

Waterbuck in Dry Grass

Aware and Alert

Four Female Waterbuck

[Tom Kellie]

Such loveliness truly fills the soul,

Absorbing beauty is healing.

Bruised spirits again become whole,

Tranquility so appealing.

Meru Landscape with Two Giraffes

Nest in a Thicket

Leaf Detritus on a Water Surface

[optig]

@@Tom Kellie-I've always felt that reticulated giraffes were beautiful and quite distinctive, but I only truly appreciated it when I saw your photos. I'm also thinking of returning to Meru.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited December 24, 2016 by optig

[Tom Kellie]

Quietly eating, without fear,

A large male rhino shows power.

With its commanding presence here,

We're prepared to stop for an hour.

Spotted with a Mouthful

[mapumbo]

The detailed pattern on the bustard feathers is fantastic. I never looked at one close enough to notice.

[optig]

@@Tom Kellie I have to say that no matter how often I see impalas I never tire of them. They're so beautiful,graceful and dainty;impalas are the ballerinas of the bush. I'm always excited when I watch them and they maek my heart

race.

[Tom Kellie]

Maybe here in the shaded side,

They won't notice me and will go.

It's tough finding a place to hide,

Where my bulk and long horn won't show.

Departure

Pause

Bashful

Farewell

Hidden

[Tom Kellie]

What does ‘idyllic’ really mean,

When applied to Meru's landscape?

Of the many places I've seen,

Meru stands out for its fine shape.

Easily Spotted

Prominent Profile

Only in Meru

The Beast

Another World

Nonchalant Rhino

Specialized Environment

Wandering Off