Thursday, November 29, 2012

Colubus Monkey- Mt. Kenya

A Trout-Tree Colobus. The background blurring is called 'bokeh' and happens (in this case deliberately) by shooting with a large (wide open) aperture to create a narrow plane of focus- aka depth of field. Generally, the better the lens the better the bokeh. To get this effect with a point-and-shoot camera, try setting on the portrait mode. The scenery mode will usually do the opposite, providing a greater depth of field.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Takaungu Creek, Kenya Coast.

That was a nice mini Holiday! Back in Nairobi now.  This is Takaungu creek mouth (HERE) just north of the place we stayed at.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Black Rhino- Nairobi Park, Kenya

Here's that male Black Rhino again- the fighter. See the punctures? It's amazing that they can survive a serious duel with those horns...

Monday, November 19, 2012

Male Black Rhino- Nairobi Park, Kenya

Met this guy this weekend in Nairobi Park. A Black Rhino & he's a fighter. I'll show you his recent wounds tomorrow. Wickedly sharp horn, eh?

Friday, November 16, 2012

African Darter- Lake Baringo Kenya

This African Darter is drying itself atop a flooded tree in a mixed nesting colony of Darters, Egrets and Cormorants along the shores of Lake Baringo.There's plenty of action in the shallows below as well, with crocs cruising for chicks fallen from the nests and tilapia fish swarming for the obviously delectable bird feces...

Monday, November 12, 2012

Amethyst Sunbird at Nest- Nairobi Kenya

A male Amethyst Sunbird at it's nest in a Brown Olive tree, Nairobi. Took patience to capture this shot, as both male & females flitted to & from the nest with insects for their young. Sunbirds don't hover like hummingbirds, and they don't stay still for long!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Hadada Ibis, Lake Naivasha Kenya

A ruffled & freshly preened Hadada Ibis from Lake Naivasha. Possibly the loudest most discordantly raucous bird in my neighborhood! Capable of unbelievable decibel levels.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Young White Rhino- Nairobi Park, Kenya

A playful young White Rhino from Nairobi Park. The name is derived from the Afrikaans word 'wyd' for 'wide'- descriptive of the wide mouth adapted for grazing. The Black Rhino browses more, with a narrow prehensile upper lip designed to selectively feed on leaves.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Bougainvillea Flower- Naivasha Kenya

Bougainvillea, native to South America, occur throughout East Africa as ornamentals. Normally bright pink, red, & purple, I found this unusual orange-brown plant in Naivasha the other day.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Common Eland- Masai Mara Kenya

The Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx), averaging between 500 - 600 kg, is the second largest antelope- after it's big cousin the Giant Eland (central & western Africa) which can attain 750kg. Despite their weight, eland are some of the best jumpers- clearing 2.1m (7ft) with ease.

Monday, November 5, 2012

African Harrier Hawk

A rather large hawk for the job- the African Harrier Hawk flies at low level through thick forest and is primarily a nest-robber. This photo from Lake Baringo.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Cheetah & Young- Masai Mara Kenya

Hot sun can be a problem for young cheetahs who often stay in open grasslands while mother is off hunting. The light coloured mane helps insulate & camouflage, but it's good to get a bit of belly-shade when available!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Pied Kingfisher- Lanke Baring, Kenya

A Pied Kingfisher from Lake Baringo. One of the most common bird species there, feeding almost exclusively on the abundant small tilapia fish.