This Week At Angama #96

The later than usual rains have continued to fall, turning the already verdant landscape a shade of dazzling green, with moody skies and puddles aplenty for all to enjoy. [f 6.3, 1/250, ISO 500   -0.67]

It is wonderful to see how the three Angama Pride male cubs have grown. Even though they are now old enough to move out of the family territory, they are still roaming close to home. [f 5.6, 1/400, ISO 640]

I caught up with these same boys the next morning, this time on the hunt. They had been lying in the grass for some time when a huge herd of close to a hundred buffalo walked their way while grazing. The boys started circling around, slowly inching closer to an isolated buffalo. [f 5.6, 1/400, ISO 400]

They were in for a rude awakening when the buffalo finally spotted them. Although they attempted to pounce, they were still too young and inexperienced to bring down an adult buffalo. Realising this, the buffalo turned on them and chased them away. [f 5.6, 1/400, ISO 400]

Dramatic showers continue to fall across the Mara, completely transforming the park. [f 5.0, 1/2500, ISO 500 -0.67]

This is great news for the waterbuck who are clearly enjoying the rains and are now more widely distributed. [f 5.0, 1/400, ISO 500  -0.33]

Two young males sparring. Judging by how they were going at one another, I think they know that one day they will have to fight for their lives and mating opportunities. [f 5.6, 1/500, ISO 400 ]

A young bull chasing a female in estrus. [f 5.3, 1/200, ISO 500] 

A love triangle. A bigger and much stronger male also caught scent of the female and came running. The young male stood his ground for a while but as the bigger one got dangerously close, he fled. A wise decision. [f5.0  1/250, ISO 500]

After photographing the three elephant, I glanced up from my camera to see an elephant that appeared to topple-over. I immediately went back to shooting wondering what I was seeing. As it turns out, the elephant was just scooping up mud with its trunk. [f 5.0,  1/200, ISO 500  -0.33]

This week, the mist has been hovering until later than usual in the mornings, making for some moody photographic opportunities. [f 5.0, 1/1000, ISO 400  -0.33]

Impalas in the mist. [f 5.0, 1/1000, ISO 400  -0.33]

Silver backed jackal intently focused on a hare that had crossed the road and disappeared into the grass. [f 6.3, 1/320, ISO 640]

I love how this plover looked as though it was waving. Hello there! [f 6.3, 1/400, ISO 500 -0.33]

After sitting in the rain, this wattled plover shook her feathers to dry off. [f 6.0, 1/2000, ISO 500 -0.33]

Rarely photographed because of its less-than-beautiful appearance, I like this proud portrait of a Marabou stork. [f 5.0, 1/2000, ISO 320] 

 This Week a Year Ago

The two youngsters spent their day keeping the hyenas at bay charging at them as a united force. After each successful chase they would come together rubbing heads bonding and it was clear they had a strong relationship and in all likelihood are litter mates. [f5.0, 1/2500, ISO1000, -0.3]

Photograph by Tristan Dicks