Back home in the Charente, the weather is still very dismal. The maximum temperature in the Charente today is 15⁰C, minimum 8⁰C. 25 to 54 km/h North/West winds. 90% chance of rain. As I type this, I have a jersey and a fleece on in the house!
These two elephants were right next to the fence that was in front of our accommodation at Crocodile Bridge, which was our last stopover in Kruger National Park.
Ostrich (Struthio camelus), both males.
Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus).
Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca).
Bushbuck (Tragelaphus-scriptus). This little fellow had somehow sneaked in past the entrance into the camp, and I took this photo right at the back of the hut we were staying in. I presume it did this quite often, as though it was nervous; it was not that frightened of me.
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Lions (Panthera leo melanochaita) spotted in the road on a late return to camp, these photos were taken in the car's headlamps.
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As above.
White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). They are dehorned every 18 months to try to prevent poaching. Very sad that this is necessary.
Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus).
Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus).
Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) and an Impala (Aepyceros melampus).
Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). Warthogs often kneel on their front legs when feeding. Their calloused, bony “knees” help them to comfortably rest on the ground while feeding on roots, fruits, and grasses. This fellow looks like it has just had a mud bath.
Burchell's Zebra see above.
European Roller (Coracias garrulus). Look carefully, the second leg is tucked in under its tummy,
African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus). One of my favourite animals, next to the leopard, but sadly endangered, although they are improving in numbers.
As you can see, this female has a collar to monitor pack movements. This allows conservation managers to take quick action in protecting these animals.
Wild dogs as above.
Another Water Monitor. This one had somehow made its way into the camp as well.
Don't think I have ever seen a blue wildebeest...didn't even know they exist...so amazing to see so many giants and exotic animals.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie. Their name comes from the bluish-gray to grayish-brown colour of their coat, they are hardly blue they look more black to me!! Every time we return to Africa it is harder to leave! Take care Diane
DeleteHi Diane, our weather here at the moment is slightly warmer than yours but I had to wear a jacket when I went out tonight for a short errand. I love all your wildlife photos but especially the elephants. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Penny, the weather here is horrible, and we have had the fire burning for the last couple of days - ridiculous in May. Next week they are saying, expect temperatures over 30C !! Thanks for the visit and the comment, cheers Diane
DeleteIf anyone doubts why you keep going back there, Diane, this should be the reminder they need! Fabulous wildlife, although lions on the road doesn’t seem especially wild! Bon weekend, bisous - David
ReplyDeleteEach visit makes it harder to leave, but long distance travel is getting more difficult as we grow older!! The lions are often on the roads in the evenings, the tar gets hot, and they warm up in the evenings sleeping in the way of traffic! The only traffic out late are the official drives as everyone else has to be in by then. Camp gates open 04:30 and close at 18:30 depending on the time of the year. Happy Sunday, bisous mon ami, Diane
DeleteHello Diane,
ReplyDeleteThis is so fantastic. Amazing all these wonderful pictures of all beautiful animals.
That must be impressive to be there in real.
This is enjoyment for every wildlife photographer. My heart goes faster!! Very well done Diane!!
Many greetings,
Marco
Hi Marco. I could visit here every year, as I love the wildlife, but flights are getting very expensive, and long flights are becoming too difficult as we age. Having lived there for 50 years to me it is like returning home. Greetings for a great Sunday and new week. Take care Diane
DeleteAfrica has amazing wild life and you have captured it very well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane, I so miss the wildlife living in France, but we are lucky we saw so much on the last trip. Travel is becoming harder and more expensive, I hate the thought this might be out last trip. I hope all is well over there, my very best wishes, t'other Diane
DeleteTodo precioso, me encanta. Has hecho un viaje muy bonito. Besos.
ReplyDeleteGracias Teresa por tu amable comentario. ¡Tuvimos unas vacaciones fabulosas! :-) Besos, Diane.
DeleteSo many great shots! Africa is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, you are right Africa is amazing. I am lucky to have lived there for 50 years. Keep well Diane.
DeleteSuch a delightful series Diane. What an amazing experience to see them in their natural habitat. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise It is always a great experience to see the wild life in Africa. Something I have never tired off since we first arrived in Africa in 1953!
DeleteWhat makes this post so interesting is not only the wildlife itself but the small observations you include about behaviour and conservation. Seeing lions in the road at night and elephants so close to the accommodation must have been unforgettable experiences. I also appreciate that you mention the reality behind dehorning rhinos and tracking wild dogs because it reminds readers how fragile these ecosystems still are. The photographs carry both beauty and a quiet seriousness that make the journey feel very real. I recently shared a new post on my blog too and would love if you stopped by to read it www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Melody for your very eloquent comment it is very much appreciated. Please remember that I ask "PLEASE DO NOT ADD LINKS TO YOUR OWN WEB ADDRESS FOR OBVIOUS REASONS THEY WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING" I have let it slip by this time but please take note. It is not fair on others if I change my rules. Keep well Diane
DeleteDear Diane, I have the same rule on my blog. I also delete such comments with website links.
DeleteDiane, your photos are absolutely stunning and captivating.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Linda, I try to get good photos, but I do not of a camera that can compete with many others. Keep well. Diane.
DeleteI think wild dogs are so dangerous, but also very interesting. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, I love wild dogs, and as with all wild animals if you get in their way you are asking for trouble. I would rather take my chances with them than a hippopotamus!! Thanks for the comment, Cheers Diane.
DeleteThere is nowhere to touch South Africa when it comes to wildlife. Your photos did them justice.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks for the kind comment. Take care, Diane
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