While on safari a lot of animals are walking away as seen in the butt shots post. But not all, and some animals get quite close to the vehicle while others would require a 700mm lens to even see. Sometimes it’s like they are watching us. Maybe that’s because we’re in the cage, whatever vehicle, you must stay inside. A combination of still learning the Nikon D5100 camera and having to be quick meant an ‘Auto’ setting for most photos using either the 18-200 or 55-300 mm lenses.
Wildlife head shots
For one of my favorite photos from this Kruger safari scroll up to my header shot of the spotted hyena cubs. Mom might have been off hunting as these two curious cubs first played at the edge of the road before seeming to notice us watching then skedaddled into the tall grasses to semi hide. I just love the look on their faces.
135mm 1/250 f5.6 cropped
I think the Blue Wildebeest has an almost comical Bullwinkle look. Note the (parenthesis) shaped horns. This gal traveled in a herd with youngsters.
170mm 1/500 f5.6
Who can resist the giraffe’s big eyes and long eye lashes. With a 21 inch tongue I’m sure glad this one didn’t stick it out at me or lick the windows.
200mm 1/320 f5.6
Yellow-billed storks have a fishing technique of using one foot to stir up the water to flush out prey. Watched this one stir up the water for a while but didn’t see it catch anything.
200mm 1/500 f5.6 cropped
Buffalo are considered the meanest of the Big 5 this one looks half asleep but I wouldn’t trust that.
200mm 1/500 f5.6 heavily cropped
One of those really long shots, without a huge lens, of a vulture.
112mm 1/125 f5.6
Elephants are my favorite animal to watch. But I wouldn’t want to piss off this male in musth, note the liquid running down the side of the face. This happens during a time of sexual activity when they can be quite aggressive.
Fuji FinePix S1500 5.9mm 1/400 f5.0 heavily cropped
This terrapin seems to be giving us the eye. They pull their heads in sideways when threatened unlike tortoises which pull straight in. Note those claws for added protection.
300mm 1/250 f5.6
Although steenbok are quite common, this dwarf antelope is difficult to see peaking out of the tall grasses. Only the males have horns. Can you see them?
300mm 1/500 f5.6 heavily cropped
Hippos yawn to threaten an enemy by showing off those big teeth and can open their mouths up to 150 degrees. I’ll bet they yawn when tired too as I didn’t see any threatening action going on. Or maybe it was tired of me taking photos.
170mm 1/125 f5.0 cropped
I suppose this Scops owl wanted us to go away while it tried to sleep during the day. Yet because it posed so nicely many photos were taken from different angles.
300mm 1/125 f5.6
No two zebras are striped alike which allows the offspring to identify with its mother. I’d know that eyeliner style anywhere. Wouldn’t you?
280mm 1/200 f5.6 heavily cropped
This lioness appeared to be guarding a den. Photo is highly cropped as we were a long, and safe, distance away.
If or when you go on safari please be respectful of the wildlife. We’d all like award winning photos but instead be happy with what you see. While self-driving in Kruger National Park, and other parks where predators live, it is illegal to get out of the vehicle other than designated areas. This is for your safety and theirs.
Nice shots Gaelyn, Recalling my visits to Botswana while gazing at your pics. Can not share mine very easily as they were taken in the dark ages of film!
Thanks. Glad these bring back memories. You could scan prints like I did years ago.
The wildlife head shots are great! And I love your header photo, too.
Thanks Janie.
A fabulous series of shots and yes my favourite is also the hyaenas. Well done. Keep well Diane
I love to listen to the hyaenas after dark from camp.
Just wow! I am beyond words. Awesome pictures.
Thanks Sallie.
Love your shots on this post. That one bird is really creepy looking. It’s like a prehistoric dinosaur on top of the tree. A definite must see:)
Thanks Chris. Vultures are rather prehistoric looking.
Gaelyn, You got such great wildlife photos! I just love the stork. The hippo is laughing at you, I’m sure. And, I don’t think I’d mess with that lioness.
Maybe the hippo is laughing and not yawning.
Really, really good shots Gaelyn. I love them. Don’t worry I wouldn’t be getting out of my car, I wouldn’t even roll the windows down. That hippo looks serious. I understand that they are very dangerous critters.
All critters are dangerous, especially the two-leggeds which is why we can’t get out of the car. But the windows are always open on a fine summer day to take the photos.
A fantastic collection of shots Gaelyn. I especially like the stork.
It was fun to watch the stork. Can hardly wait to return.
What great shots Gaelyn. Just amazing the yawning hippo, the darling hyenas, the gorgeous zebra. How wonderful it must feel to be in the same space with all these magnificient creatures. What an extraordinary planet to have such diversity. A 21″ tongue – good grief, I had no idea. That’s almost 2′ long. Hope Annie arrived safely and gave you my hug!
My senses are heightened being around these animals.
Hugs given and received. Plus a toast, or two, to you.
Your photos really bring back beautiful memories. I especially love the stork and lion ones 🙂
Always happy to evoke memories and can’t wait to return to South Africa.
Beautiful pictures…
Thank you.
I like them all. great shots of beautiful~~in their own way~~animals. Gorgeous really. And of course the babies in your header. To be honest they look kinda like my two youngest grandboys peeking out when they thought nobody was looking at them. MB
Thanks MB. Those two hyenas do look rather mischievous.
So great shots. Anything with horns, stripes, dots, big teeth, feathers and everything else in the African bush makes for great head shots
Now I wish for a bigger lens so I can take eye shots. 😉
What incredibly beautiful pictures! The only thing harder than spotting an animal in the wild is getting it to pose for a headshot:-)
Best, Irene
Thanks. Seems like I got a lot more butt shots as they walked away.
Hmmm….they are easier to capture!:-)