Part III
As man encroaches more and more on lands that support wildlife the population of many of these animals continues to drop. There are a number of organizations and governments that recognize the value and the need to provide space for these animals so that they will continue to survive and to thrive whether this be in Africa or anywhere in the world. It would be a great loss if giraffes, elephants, rhinoceros, and hundreds of other wild creatures were to vanish from the face of the earth. For me it has been a great privilege to have had the opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife around the world.
Below are more images from amazing Amboseli National Park. (Click on an image for a larger view.)
The first image is a family with a brand new member…mom, tiny baby and sibling. Elephants carry their young for 22 months, and their young stay with them until they are around 6 years old. This is why you frequently see a baby along with an older calf. The big guy in the second image has been doing a little wading to get to the grasses. The elephants love the grasses in the marshy areas around Amboseli’s lake, and frequently emerge with watermarks.
This lioness was out basking in the evening sun. We weren’t sure whether she was the mother of the new cubs or whether she was about to be a mother, but she was certainly enjoying the solitude.
More bird species to add to my growing list. The top image is of a Pied Avocet with its unusual curved beak very handy to scoop up small crustaceans. Below it is a Cape Teal. The third image is of the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller.
For some reason this image reminds me of volleyball players lined up ready for action. I’m always in awe when I’m in the presence of giraffes. Such graceful, beautiful animals.
The flamingos offered so many photographic possibilities especially on the lake with morning light. Both Greater and Lesser Flamingos co-mingle while feeding in the first image. The second is taken once again with the amazing first sunlight on the flamingo creating a visually dramatic image.
This is a male Eland, the largest antelope in the world. Eland are usually very shy and run away at the first sign of a camera, but this one checked us out before turning away. They’re physically very strong, able to keep up a trot for long distances, and can jump a 4′ fence from a standstill.
Towards the end of the day we headed back to the dry lake to see what the animals and dust would have to offer. I liked what the line of Blue Gnus created kicking up the dust against the back light of the setting sun.
Still more images from Amboseli to come. Sign up with your email at the top of the page to be notified when future images are posted. Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl
Edwin Cohen
7 Oct 2021What is an American Avocet doing in Africa?
Long trip!
Cheryl Schneider
7 Oct 2021I think he has dual citizenship! 🙂
Gk
7 Oct 2021Memories are made of this.
Awesome!!💯😍
Cheryl Schneider
7 Oct 2021Indeed they are! Thank you. 🙂
Jeanne
8 Oct 2021Wow! These are amazing. My favorites are the elephants and giraffes!
Cheryl Schneider
8 Oct 2021Thanks so much! Amboseli is truly an amazing place.
Cheryl
9 Oct 2021These pictures are breath taking. Loved them all!!
Cheryl Schneider
10 Oct 2021Thanks so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them. 😘
Hope himel
10 Oct 2021Elephants are still my favorite, but I loved all of the amazing photographs.