Tag: nature

At the waterhole

An elephant mum and baby playing at a waterhole in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Waterholes like this are especially popular during the dry season from May to November. During this time, there is no rain and as the grass and leaves turn brown and dry the animals need access to a stable water supply. In this wet area one pool of water was used for drinking, while another became a swimming pool. The elephants greatly enjoy bathing; splashing in the mud until they are as brown as the soil. After the bath comes a dusting of sand. When this elephant sunscreen is in place it is time to move on.

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Elephant

A majestic elephant bull in profile. Because of the threat of poaching, the number of really old and big male elephants has dwindled in the past decades. It is a joy to see them – and always a little scary too, I must say! The photo was taken in Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa. In this edit, the background is evenly coloured, and the shape of the elephant is stylized.

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Dragonfly

A dragonfly perching on our washing line. I think this species is known as the common tigertail, obviously because of the yellow and black markings on its rear part. It is part of the family of clubtail dragonflies.

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Dark-capped bulbul bath

It’s the middle of the dry season, and the birds in our garden are craving for some moisture. The dark-capped bulbuls are especially happy with our birdbath. Several times a day they come and try how many of them fit in. I think we’ll have to start calling it a bulbul bath…

Shalow’s turaco

The turaco is a fruit-eating bird from southern Africa. Green turaco’s such as the one on this photograph come in different types, distinguishable by their crests. Where we live, Shalow’s turaco, with its long, even floppy, crest can be found. It’s a shy bird that is more often heard than seen. But to my delight this turaco has made our birdbath a daily stop for some water. What a joy!