Yawning glory!
There's nothing like a magic green season to make this beautiful male leopard really pop from the BG!
I had more amazing sightings in Ruaha NP with 7 different leopard in 13 days, considering it was green season with the grass over 1M in a lot of areas, I was indeed very fortunate.
D4 500 f/4 VR 1/1600s f/5.6 ISO1600 almost F/F. Reduced the exp on the FG vegetation RHS.
Get me a ladder!
One of the highlights of my return to Ruaha NP for the green season was the descent from this giant baobab of this female leopard.
The structure of the unique baobab trees gives plenty of toe-holds for these agile climbers and she was certainly an expert in that regard. Note the damage to the base here, caused by ele's stripping the outer layers.
I love the way this back view gives such a clear look at the straining muscles and the varying skin patterns.
I was fortunate to capture the whole sequence from start to the landing. What a sighting!!
This is the female known as "Furaha" which is swahili for joy..................and what a joy it was to witness this rock-wall like descent.
D3s 80-400 AF-S f/5.6 1/500s ISO4000@ 240mm. Almost F/F. In hindsight ISO 6400 may have been be preferable to increase SS
Bucket mouth
With a mouth as big as a dumpster bin it's no wonder they command every respect when close to these guys!
This young male was performing for us for nearly 1hr as we watched a flock of nest building golden weaver birds. I was fortunate to get some frames with the eye visible, which always helps.
D4 500 f/4 VRII 1/1250s f/5.6 ISO400. + CPL filter. Almost F/F except for slight levelling which gave me a bit less room on top unfortunately. PS CC, ACR, levels, curves & 4% NikDE selectively on the hippo.
Ele crossing
The green season in Ruaha Nat Park is THE best time for elephants, they gather in their thousands to feed on the lush vegetation that presents itself for this short season,
making for dramatic animalscapes such as this river crossing.
Along with Botswana, the Ruaha is one area where massive herds can still thrive..........thank god.
D3s 80-400 AF-S 1/1250s ISO400 @ 80mm. Cropped unwanted sky from top to a pano framing. CC ACR usual levels, curves adj.
C & C most welcome.
Cheers
Marc
