Impala eating a sausage tree flower
September 12, 2007
This Impala only realised that I was nearby once she had the flower in her mouth. She froze in this position for a couple of seconds before gulping it down and running away! The sausage trees are still flowering like mad providing much needed food for a whole lot of different creatures.
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
Bronze-winged Courser and chicks
September 11, 2007
I found this nocturnal bird and her chicks nesting in an open area on really rough ground near the road. It was suprisingly well camouflaged and if you looked away for a few seconds and then looked back it took a while to spot them again. Shooting from a low angle and using a wide aperture helped me to isolate them from their surroundings.
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
Spots!!
September 10, 2007
Leopard sightings have been a bit scarce in the last few weeks, probably due to all the lion activity in the area. That changed today though – I had a fantastic ten minutes with a beautiful female early this morning. She came down to drink and then crossed over the wafwa onto the island opposite Lion Camp.
A couple of shots for Wilma and Eric who had a fleeting glimpse of this same leopard a few days ago but unfortunately weren’t with me this morning.
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The elusive Pel’s fishing Owl
September 9, 2007
Always a thrill to find one of these guys on a night drive.
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Hovering Pied kingfisher
September 8, 2007
I have taken so many shots of these guys hovering, trying to get the head sharp and the wings blurry. This one is almost there…… The early morning sun added a little colour to its wings.
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The Carmines are back!
September 7, 2007
The carmine bee-eaters are one of the most beautiful and brightly coloured birds in the valley. Thousands arrive here at this time of year to nest in the banks of the Luangwa river. I always look forward to their arrival as it wonderful to watch the frantic activity as they dig their nests. A lovely bird to photograph..
Content Copyright Patrick Bentley Photography
Crocodile encounter
September 6, 2007
Crocs are not my favourite creatures but I certainly find them fascinating. Normally they are long gone if you try to approach them near the water. This one however was leaving a lagoon that had almost dried up and was on his way overland to another one. We found him near the road and he didn’t seem to be bothered by the vehicle. I managed to get some great close-ups before he decided to head off again into the bush. Pretty isn’t he…!?
All Content Copyright Patrick Bentley
