Predator Biologist trip photos -- Botswana November 2007
Nov 24th, 2007, 08:42 AM
#23
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bill,
I hope the party is still going! The next round is on me.
Good idea to include lots of accommodation shots of places new to most of us. I feel like I really know my way around everywhere you stayed. I think I could even find that Mapula towel bar with my eyes closed. Deception Valley looks very lovely.
In your report, tell us how you decided on Mapula and Delta.
You definitely were in the right place at the right time for your photos--repeatedly. Your collection is exceptional. You even photographed the birds very well. A Pel's Fishing Owl! We'll have to hear the story behind that sighting. I agree with Johan about the snake eagle.
The porcupine, steenbok, and the ground squirrels are not easy to get. You even got a nice shot of the fruit bat. I liked seeing Chapman's tree with some leaves on it.
Your bushman walk must have started or ended at their homes. It looked like those were in the background when they were making fire.
I was just admiring the big kudu herds when the sable pics started popping up.
When I saw the baboon on the edge of the tree, I wondered if it would jump. Sure enough it did and you caught it on camera.
I felt like I was spending the day with that leopard. Some of your closeup shots were outstanding. How funny when it was peeking around the hide.
Those little dogs really put on a show. You could include some of their faces on your holiday greeting cards! The ele dung pile gave a good perspective for size. You had so many unobstructed views of such a variety of wild dog activity from dogs of all ages. This had to be a highlight of all your travels.
You and Divewop's lens are a fine combo.
I hope the party is still going! The next round is on me.
Good idea to include lots of accommodation shots of places new to most of us. I feel like I really know my way around everywhere you stayed. I think I could even find that Mapula towel bar with my eyes closed. Deception Valley looks very lovely.
In your report, tell us how you decided on Mapula and Delta.
You definitely were in the right place at the right time for your photos--repeatedly. Your collection is exceptional. You even photographed the birds very well. A Pel's Fishing Owl! We'll have to hear the story behind that sighting. I agree with Johan about the snake eagle.
The porcupine, steenbok, and the ground squirrels are not easy to get. You even got a nice shot of the fruit bat. I liked seeing Chapman's tree with some leaves on it.
Your bushman walk must have started or ended at their homes. It looked like those were in the background when they were making fire.
I was just admiring the big kudu herds when the sable pics started popping up.
When I saw the baboon on the edge of the tree, I wondered if it would jump. Sure enough it did and you caught it on camera.
I felt like I was spending the day with that leopard. Some of your closeup shots were outstanding. How funny when it was peeking around the hide.
Those little dogs really put on a show. You could include some of their faces on your holiday greeting cards! The ele dung pile gave a good perspective for size. You had so many unobstructed views of such a variety of wild dog activity from dogs of all ages. This had to be a highlight of all your travels.
You and Divewop's lens are a fine combo.
Nov 25th, 2007, 05:36 AM
#24
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I finally had time to take a good long look at your photos. I certainly see nothing wrong with your abilities as a a photographer!
My favorite is the soaring baboon. Thanks! I'm looking forward to your videos!
My favorite is the soaring baboon. Thanks! I'm looking forward to your videos!
Nov 25th, 2007, 07:43 AM
#26
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great photographs. I am very much looking forward to the video of the black mamba. When at Duma Tau last April we were charged by a 12 foot mamba while on the game drive---right near Savuti Camp. The mamba flew full extended above the grass in three consecutive waves and closed in on the truck quickly - within 3 feet. No one had time to take a photo as it was truly terrifying for all.
Glad to see that you made it all the way into the Kalahari to the real Deception Valley. When I was there last April, I tried to make this trip, but my travel agent forgot to tell the camp we wanted to go. Last time I will use that company. Upon arrival and after finding out that they never received my request, the staff at camp seemed very much against doing this trip. Adriaan was not there either (on holiday) and I had requested him as well. My apologies as I forgot to finish my trip report........
Glad to see that you made it all the way into the Kalahari to the real Deception Valley. When I was there last April, I tried to make this trip, but my travel agent forgot to tell the camp we wanted to go. Last time I will use that company. Upon arrival and after finding out that they never received my request, the staff at camp seemed very much against doing this trip. Adriaan was not there either (on holiday) and I had requested him as well. My apologies as I forgot to finish my trip report........
Nov 25th, 2007, 10:57 PM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lynn: the party may not start until Hari arrives but it certainly cannot end without an appearance from you! I will be sure to talk about why I selected each camp in the report. Pel's fishing owl was a very nice surprise, my first sighting and we had a pair of them!
Lillipets: thanks for your compliments. I was pretty excited with the baboons jumping between the trees and quite pleased that I was able to photograph it.
Mike: No doubt, my trip was fantastic and the pictures only begin to tell the story.
Marseus: wow, that must have been something to have the mamba coming your way like that. I was a bit in awe -- not fair for a snake that is that deadly to be huge and fast! We almost walked right below ours and then we stepped back where we could safely admire it and I still found it somewhat unnerving.
The CKGR had not had any rain yet so we were not treated to the huge herds in Deception Valley but it was still amazing due to the overwhelming solitude and sense of space, very glad I got to go and hope to return with the herds in the future. Will include more in my report.
Jan: I tried to order the pics with a flow so I'm glad you felt along for the trip, and of course with the snakes you would really feel like it was one of your trips!
Lillipets: thanks for your compliments. I was pretty excited with the baboons jumping between the trees and quite pleased that I was able to photograph it.
Mike: No doubt, my trip was fantastic and the pictures only begin to tell the story.
Marseus: wow, that must have been something to have the mamba coming your way like that. I was a bit in awe -- not fair for a snake that is that deadly to be huge and fast! We almost walked right below ours and then we stepped back where we could safely admire it and I still found it somewhat unnerving.
The CKGR had not had any rain yet so we were not treated to the huge herds in Deception Valley but it was still amazing due to the overwhelming solitude and sense of space, very glad I got to go and hope to return with the herds in the future. Will include more in my report.
Jan: I tried to order the pics with a flow so I'm glad you felt along for the trip, and of course with the snakes you would really feel like it was one of your trips!
Nov 26th, 2007, 09:24 AM
#30
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bill
Some really nice shots - I love the monkey!
We're the weirdos you met at Deception Valley Lodge - glad you had a great trip and some really nice photos of the leopard! I'm totally envious of your mamba video... please post ASAP
Going back to browsing your photos now, while mine download...
Ysa
Some really nice shots - I love the monkey!
We're the weirdos you met at Deception Valley Lodge - glad you had a great trip and some really nice photos of the leopard! I'm totally envious of your mamba video... please post ASAP
Going back to browsing your photos now, while mine download...
Ysa
Nov 27th, 2007, 08:11 AM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Paco -- it's always a thrill to be able to photograph an action moment.
Ysa: took me a minute to figure out who you were as weirdos didn't register, I was thinking nothing but fun people at DVL. Having found the start of your trip report I of course knew you immediately, first Fodors poster I have met on safari that I know of. Looking very forward to your report as you had a great itinerary. Pleasure to have met, too bad just for one night.
Ysa: took me a minute to figure out who you were as weirdos didn't register, I was thinking nothing but fun people at DVL. Having found the start of your trip report I of course knew you immediately, first Fodors poster I have met on safari that I know of. Looking very forward to your report as you had a great itinerary. Pleasure to have met, too bad just for one night.
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:17 PM
#35
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really enjoyed your photos PB. The wild dog pups are too precious! Especially the one biting the other's nose. Great leopard shots too. Mapula Lodge looks like a place I would consider for a future trip. The views from the bar and loo/shower are cool! You really had some unique sightings but the porcupine scares me more than the snakes and bats. What is the giraffe dance all about? I will head over to your trip report to find out. Thanks for sharing, I got a great feel for what your trip was like. <
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
afrigalah
Africa & the Middle East
18
Sep 21st, 2005 01:41 PM
