Month: February 2012

How we missed the Leopard hunt…

The leopard hunt we missed...
The leopard hunt we missed...

I have some pictures of the Leopard in my portfolio but this one was for whom we waited the longest. It was sleeping when we spotted it first. There was a herd of Impalas grazing very near to the Leopard and our guide said that a hunt is very likely even though at that time the predator appeared to be at his laziest best…

We waited almost for 45 minutes before he even looked up, the light was rapidly fading. With no movement we grew relaxed as well and were not paying close attention. Suddenly the Leopard was no longer there on the tree. It had crawled down and was crouching very near the Impalas, we could barely see it. After studying the scene for a while it just got up turned back and walked away! At least that is what we felt but it in fact had circled around and was directly in front of our Land Rover about 30m. Before anyone of us realized it was charging at one of the fawns. The fawn ran straight towards the Land Rover with Leopard in pursuit, fawn got beneath our vehicle and Leopard screeched to a halt! Looking sullenly at us. The whole thing happened so fast that even with 4 photographers none of us got a decent shot of the chase but it was an awesome adrenaline rush none the less…

Yeah! it may sound like a “one that got away” story but this one did happen – shall process the blurry ones and add to the post soon 😉

African Marsh Harrier

African Marsh Harrier - Hunting
African Marsh Harrier - Hunting

The African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus) is particularly common in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

The escape….

Red Lechwe can escape rapidly across swamps
Red Lechwe can escape rapidly across swamps

The Red Lechwe (Kobus leche) belongs to the Antelope family and are fond of swamp lands. Tehy are found in Botswana, Zambia, south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, north-eastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps.

Indian Desert Cat

Indian Desert Cat
Indian Desert Cat

Also known as the Asiatic wildcat is one of the most endangered of the small “big cats” habitat loss and excessive hunting in the past for its characteristic spotted pelt has led to decline in this cat’s numbers in the wild. As with other wild cats, the risk of loss of genetic purity also looms large through interbreeding with feral and domestic felines.

Friends have had great success in photographing this very shy Wildcat but I have only managed to get glimpses of it in the past. This early morning shot is the best I have in my collection.

Zazu from Lion King!!

Red-Billed Hornbill
Red-Billed Hornbill

Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) is a relatively small species of hornbill found in savanna and woodland of sub-Saharan Africa. Zazu, a character in the animated film The Lion King, is a Red-billed Hornbill. He is also featured in the sequel, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride and the mid-quel The Lion King 1½.

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-billed_Hornbill

Tight rope walker….

Bateleur - Male in flight
Bateleur - Male in flight

The Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) is a colourful species of medium sized eagle with a very short tail (ecaudatus is Latin for tailless) which makes it unmistakable in flight. “Bateleur” is French for “tight-rope walker”. This name describes the bird’s characteristic habit of tipping the ends of its wings when flying, as if catching its balance…..

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bateleur

Peek-a-boo!

A Purple sunbird male peeks over a Hibiscus flower...
A Purple sunbird male peeks over a Hibiscus flower...

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Purple-rumped Sunbird - Male
Purple-rumped Sunbird - Male

Purple-rumped Sunbirds have violet patches on the throat and rump which are visible only in good lighting. There is also a maroon breast band.

Indian Cobra…

Indian Cobra or the Spectacled Cobra
Indian Cobra or the Spectacled Cobra
It was not really full grown...
It was not really full grown...

While coming back from a recent birding trip I got a chance to photograph this beautiful Indian Cobra thanks to some “Sarp Mitra” or Snake Friends. Sarp Mitra are volunteers who know the techniques to catch snakes and can be called to rescue or remove snakes which have wandered in to houses. These Snakes are handled with utmost care and released in appropriate habitats unharmed.

Southern African Rock Python…

Southern African Rock Python...
Southern African Rock Python...

We spotted this specimen while searching for paths to reach the elephant herds across the marsh. Even though the photo shows the specimen clearly the camouflage on these snakes is awesome.

Southern African Rock Python is Africa’s largest snake species and one of the world’s largest, the typical African rock python adult measures 4.8 m (16 ft). Rumors of specimens over 6 m (20 ft) are considered reliable, although larger specimens have never been confirmed.

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_sebae