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hippo_in_the_wild

View

Mar 7

Open

Liwa crossing two weekends ago in Abu Dhabi.
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22 Feb 2025
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#offroading #liwa #4runner #4runnermafia #fjcruiser #fj #slipface #offroad #toyotauae #toyota #dunebashing #desert #overlanding #visitdubai #lovindubai #lovinabudhabi #adventure #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #automobile #uae #Dubai #abudhabi #mydubai #thingstodo #explore #dunes #sonyalpha #travel

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Mar 2

Open

Toyota mania! Fun on the massive slipfaces in Liwa, Abu Dhabi, last weekend.
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📅 22 Feb 2025
📌 Liwa, Abu Dhabi
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#offroading #liwa #4runner #4runnermafia #fjcruiser #prado #slipface #offroad #toyotauae #toyota #dunebashing #desert #overlanding #visitdubai #lovindubai #lovinabudhabi #adventure #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #automobile #uae #Dubai #abudhabi #mydubai #thingstodo #explore #dunes #sonyalpha #travel

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 31

Open

"I'm on my way," said the Natal Spurfowl.
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Formerly known as the Natal Francolin, these small-to-medium size birds live in coveys of about ten birds.
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They can often be found scratching through rhino and elephant dung searching for undigested seeds.
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I, however, did not find them knee deep in poop; rather, they were happily frolicking in the backyard poop free back in Sept.
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Based on the long spurs on its legs, I'm guessing this might be a male.
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #francolin #spurfowl #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 30

Open

"I think my eyelashes are stuck to my eyeball," thought the Helmeted Guineafowl out loud.
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Doesn't it look like it's wearing a druid hat, or perhaps the "Sorting Hat" from Harry Potter?
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I also wonder why only the head has so many colours... I wonder!

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These birds are loud and even louder when they arrive with the entire flock of 25 or so members.
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Dust flies all around as they peck at the ground, drag their feet, and move swiftly around one another.

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Fun Facts:
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These medium-to-large sized birds are Native to Africa, but were introduced on other continents.
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They remind me of the turkeys back home in Canada, and after a quick search, it turns out that I'm not the only one:
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"In the early days of the European colonisation of North America, the native wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) was confused with this species" (Wikipedia).

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #guineafowl #guineafowls #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 29

Open

"I'm quite shiny, aren't I?" asked the starling.
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Another small to medium bird that I had to Google (because birding / identification isn't my forte); I believe this is a Burchell's Starling, which is monogamous and native to the South Africa's woodlands and savannahs.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #starling #starlings #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 28

Open

"Can you see my butt or am I rather camouflaged?" asked the Steenbok.
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Visiting South Africa during the dry season gave me an appreciation for the yellow-brown terrain.
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It allowed me to see how many animals camouflage successfully in the grass and brush away from the preying eyes of large predators.
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It's easy to drive by and miss this Steenbok (or Steinbok / Steinbuck) roaming through the tall grass in the Kruger.

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I adore the face of these little fellows. I have a frontal shot I'll post soon to show their beautiful, big eyes with long eyelashes and demure smiles. And, don't miss the pretty patterns in their ears.
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This one here is a male as it has horns.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #steenbok #steinbok #antelope #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #lion #king #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 23

Open

"Hey, who's you making me look behind?" asked this adorable Dwarf Mongoose.
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Born with tiny, cute ears, Dwarf Mongoose are Africa's smallest carnivore growing to body lengths of about only 20cm.
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They have sharp teeth, which I found out the hard way (mostly because I didn't listen to instructions - haha), and they arrive in a large troop of their brethren.
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Oh my - I had such fun with them when I was in South Africa in September. Memories!
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #dwarfmongoose #mongoose #hoedspruit #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #kruger #safari #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 22

Open

"Are there stripes on my butt?" asked the zebra.
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I'll never get over how wonderfully odd zebras look.
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It's as if they couldn't decide to join the horse, mule, or donkey clan; they are neither one, the other, or all three.
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It's as if they exist in their own dimension where colours are outlawed.

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Fun Facts:
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Zebras are grazers and have eyes up high on their head to help them see over the tall grass.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #zebra #zebras #stripes #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #lion #king #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 21

Open

"I am the largest of the hornbills."
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This is the Southern Ground Hornbill, and, gosh, was it large! It stands at around 3 to 4 feet tall! That's almost my short height - yikes. Haha.
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I saw these massive birds at the Kruger park, and their eyelashes were so prominently long and lushes!
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Fun Facts:
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This is the largest of all hornbills worldwide and one of only two species of ground hornbills, which are both found solely in Africa. The other species is found north of the equator while this one is down south, thus the name.
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Apparently, they mate for life and don't breed till around 6 to 7 years old. The pair lives in a community, which is beneficial because just two eggs are produced, and, usually, only one will survive to the fledging stage.
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Often, the second chick dies from malnutrition.
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In some areas, such as South Africa, nests have been reported to produce only one independent fledging every nine years.
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I believe this is a male because females have violet-blue skin on their throats; also, it's definitely not a juvenile because they apparently don't have the prominent red bulging sacs.
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Sadly, these birds are listed as vulnerable, and their numbers continue to decline due to habitats destruction, cultural beliefs, etc.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hornbill hornbills #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #krugernationalpark #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 20

Open

"If this is where the monarchy
is headed, count me out!" says Zazu.
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Turns out Zazu from The Lion King was this type of hornbill!
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I enjoy the ministerial pose of this Red-Billed Hornbill; to me, it's a perfect reflection of Zazu and his majordomo role in the Lion King.
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I can see him eyeing down Simba and telling him:
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Do this!
Be there!
Stop that!
Now, see here!

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Fun Facts:
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Compared to the yellow-billed hornbill I posted yesterday, red-bills have shorter, smaller beaks.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hornbill hornbills #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 19

Open

My beak is big!
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It was fun to watch hornbills fly in and out of the backyard all day.
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And, no, this is not Zazu. This is a Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill whereas Zazu was a red-billed hornbill. (Yes, I had to ask Mr Google - haha).
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Apparently, for these yellow hornbills, their bills make up about 1/6th their entire body length.
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Also, do notice their eyelashes: Long and lovely.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hornbill hornbills #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 18

Open

Somewhere between darkness and light is where Painted Dogs exist.
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Flipping through my safari photos, I am constantly amazed at the variety of colour patterns on these beautiful, endangered wild dogs.
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Look into those eyes. Oh, my.
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(Not to mention you can see our tiny, little, white car reflected in there too - haha).

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm 2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #painteddog #africanwilddog #wilddog #africanwilddogs #painteddogs #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 17

Open

I'm small, but I still deliver a mean bite.
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A troop of Banded Mongoose appear as fast as they disappear.
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I'm surprised this little fellow stayed still long enough to pose for this portrait.

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Fun Facts:

Unlike most mongoose species who live solitary lives, Banded Mongoose live in colonies with complex social structures.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #portrait #bandedmongoose #mongoose #hoedspruit #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #kruger #safari #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 16

Open

Look into my eyes.
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If you ever wonder why lions hold such a profound reputation in our minds and in popular culture, well all you have to do is look into their eyes.
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Mesmerizing, isn't it?
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor| South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #lion #lions #lionking #kings #khayandlovu #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 14

Open

Shake, shake, shake!
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Oh my, how fun it was to watch this little male White-Bellied Sunbird play in the sprinkler and then shake off all the water.
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I love the movement in this shot. You can see how ferociously the sunbird is shaking as its wet feathers flip side to side.
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The backyard at the bush lodge in Hoedspruit was perfect to spot many adorable birds; both the quiet and the noisy ones!

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Fun Facts:
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These sunbirds are prey for slender mongoose and domestic cats. I was expecting more predators, but Wiki says just these two - haha.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #sunbird #sunbirds #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 12

Open

"I have a purple beak," said the Blue Waxbill.
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For those who know me, I'm not a proper birder by any means of the imagination.
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I don't know names of birds, and I describe all birds as one of the following:

- large,
- medium,
- small,
- extra small,
- or tiny.
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In my vocabulary, this little cute blue fellow is of the tiny variety; but, in fact, according to Google, it's actually a Southern Blue Waxbill.
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These little cuties would visit the backyard in Hoedspruit and, unlike the Crested Barbet I posted yesterday, would not make a ruckus. Nice quiet little blue beauties.

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Fun Facts:
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According to Wiki, Blue Waxbills "often choose to build the nest near the nest of a wasp such as Belonogaster juncea; there is no evidence that wasps deter nest predators, but the birds may use the presence of wasp nests as a way of working out whether there are arboreal ants Pseudomyrmex spp in the tree, as if present they would deter nesting by any wasps or birds."

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #waxbills #waxbill #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 11

Open

Call me Mohawk - and, yes, I am loud.
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While in South Africa, I did see birds too - not just large and small mammals. Haha.
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Interestingly, like many mammals, these Crested Barbets sometimes catch mice for dinner. Who'd have thought?
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Its colours were stunning and I adore its crest.
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However, man, these birds are loud! They definitely make an entrance in the backyard each and every day!
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #crestedbarbet #barbet #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #nuts_about_birds #birdfreaks #eye_spy_birds #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #your_best_birds #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #bns_birds #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 10

Open

"Why don't people like me?" asked the spotted hyena.
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After seeing my first hyena, I am now obsessed.
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I'm a fan - are you?
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#MakeHyenasPopular
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There is something captivating about them: the cute facial expressions, the personality in their eyes, the sloping backs, the cute way they run, and their intriguingly white-colored poop.
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I took this shot at sunset in the Kruger park. I love the backlit hairs and the intensity of its stare.

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Fun Facts:
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Spotted Hyenas have 4 toes with short, blunt, non-retractable claws.
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According to Kruger mammal expert Heike Schutze, hyenas are designed for the long haul: "they are high-stamina hunters relentless in the pursuit of their prey once they have tasted blood".

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hyena #hyenas #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #attack #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #kruger #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #safari #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Oct 9

Open

Meet Limpy, the 3-Legged Hyena.
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This pretty hyena followed us around everywhere! Even with its injured rear left leg, it really gets around and quite quickly, too!
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Perseverance should be its second name, along with "obsessed with us":

- It visited us in the backyard,
- popped up when we were watching leopards eat dinner in a tree,
- ran towards the car (this 📸) when we were out on a bush drive,
- left its 3-foot tracks for us to find,
- and kept posing on the trail cam footage!

Seriously, it felt like Limpy was our new best friend, and, at one point, we thought it would climb in the car and watch leopards with us there in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate.
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Apparently, a hyena can remember your smell for years! I think she liked us and wanted to be our 3rd Musketeer!

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Fun Facts:
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According to Kruger mammal expert Heike Schutze, hyenas are designed for the long haul: "they are high-stamina hunters relentless in the pursuit of their prey once they have tasted blood".

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#limpy #limps #sony #sonyalpha #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #hyena #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #attack #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #safari #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #bigcats #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 8

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Beauty: A Pregnant Mama Motoring her Way through Sunrise.
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This stunning mother looked like she was ready to deliver at any second. With every step her stomach moved side to side - it was amazing to watch!

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At sunrise, she appeared at the top of a road in the Kruger and then came hurtling toward us, before swiftly taking the side lane by us through the tall grass.
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She looked stunning as she walked towards our small tiny white car with the sun shining behind her.

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Last month in SA 🇿🇦 was my first seeing hyenas and, now, I just adore them!
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This spotted hyena at the Kruger, and the others I saw in Hoedspruit, are all such beautiful animals: the cute facial expressions, the personality in their eyes, the sloping backs, the cute way they run, and their intriguingly white-colored poop.

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Fun Facts:
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According to Kruger mammal expert Heike Schutze, hyenas are designed for the long haul: "they are high-stamina hunters relentless in the pursuit of their prey once they have tasted blood".

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hyena #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #attack #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #safari #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #bigcats #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 7

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hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 6

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"When is it my turn to eat, mom?"
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While waiting patiently for its turn to eat, this young leopard watched its mom, sitting up in a tree, devouring a Nyala. See my Sept 19th post for the entire backstory of these incredible 5 sightings over 5 days.

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Story continued:
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After finding the Nyala kill the night before this shot, we returned to the site the next evening to try to see the leopard. At that time, we thought there was only one leopard.
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Before the sun set, we saw one leopard cross the road ahead of us. Suddenly, loud squawking began and birds began to fly in the distance.
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The air was heavy with tension as the leopard got closer and closer.
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Then, a leopard past us in the grass.
Suddenly, another leopard past us!
There were two!
We were stunned.
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We returned after 30 min to watch the leopards eat the Nyala.
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By then, the mother had climbed the tree and was quite shielded by the leaves as she lay on a branch enjoying dinner.
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You could hear her ripping into the Nyala; the crunching sound is something I'll never forget.
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Next to our car, on the ground, about 10m from us, was this young leopard (in the photo) watching us and its mom. It was incredible to be so close to the two of them.
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Hyena Randomness:
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Also, our lovely 3-legged hyena friend, Limpy, turned up to scout the situation and came almost right up to our car! Haha. Of all the hyenas on the estate, freakin' Limpy decided to turn up to this dinner party!

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Flash photography for me is new, and I'm stunned at how much detail was caught in this shot.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #leopard #leopards #kings #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bigfive #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #leopardclub #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #bigcats #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 5

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hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 4

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A wet nose after a sunrise breakfast.
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This adult Painted Dog sat watching over the pack's 12-ish pups playing.
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Apparently, Painted Dogs rip their prey apart, shredding them, while they are still alive. Man, that's intense!
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Remnants of the blood from breakfast lightly coats this adult's upper head and ear. However, a shot of its right side shows thick smears of blood. I wonder what it had eaten that morning?
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Kruger National Park was a joy to explore and offered gems like this pack of Painted Dogs. So grateful!
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm 2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #painteddog #africanwilddog #wilddog #africanwilddogs #painteddogs #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 3

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Painted by Sunset.
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This curious Painted Dog pup was eyeing us up and down. Not as a potential meal. Rather, it was probably wondering why we had opted for the tiniest of cars - haha.
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If you zoom in on the eye, you'll see a small white car in the reflection. That's us at the Kruger hanging out with about 12 pretty pups.

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Fun Facts:
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African wild dogs produce more pups than any other canid, with litters containing around six to 16 pups, with an average of 10.
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Thus, a single female can produce enough young to form a new pack every year. But, breeding is restricted to only the alpha female because many litters of 10 pups would require an impossible amount of food for the pack to acquire.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm 2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #painteddog #africanwilddog #wilddog #africanwilddogs #painteddogs #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Oct 1

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Mesmerized by that Golden-Hour Glow.
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Still pinching myself that I saw young pup Painted Dogs at the Kruger on my first self drive last month.
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This was one of about 12 pups playing at sunset, while the adults were waking up from their daytime slumber.

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Fun Facts:
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African wild dogs produce more pups than any other canid, with litters containing around six to 16 pups, with an average of 10.
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Thus, a single female can produce enough young to form a new pack every year. But, breeding is restricted to only the alpha female because many litters of 10 pups would require an impossible amount of food for the pack to acquire.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm 2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #painteddog #africanwilddog #wilddog #africanwilddogs #painteddogs #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 30

Open

2 Types of Mongoose.
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Had such fun becoming acquainted with both Banded and Dwarf Mongoose while in South Africa earlier this month.
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They both are so curious and arrive as a troop! Plus, they have sharp teeth - haha.
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All shot on my Sony A7iv and Samsung phone.
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Except, 📹 video of me: Dan.Newtons.
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #bandedmongoose #dwarfmongoose #mongoose #hoedspruit #reels #trending #reeloftheday #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #wildlifephotography #southafrica #sonyalphasa #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #conservation #kruger #safari #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 27

Open

A moment of peace amidst the chaos.
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During my South Africa trip, the backyard had another daily visit but from a different type of mongoose: the Banded Mongoose.
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Like a hurricane, they'd crash through the backyard so loudly that you'd hear them before you saw them.
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While laying on the ground, watching them rush around looked like light streams left after a super hero raced by.
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2nd 📸: if you look closely, you'll see dan.newtons standing on the deck up above next to tree at the house.

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Fun Facts:
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Compared to Dwarf Mongoose (posted yesterday), Banded Mongoose bodies are much longer at, on average, about 38cm.
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Unlike most mongoose species who live solitary lives, Banded Mongoose live in colonies with complex social structures.

I wonder if this fellow is a ring leader or a pawn?

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #bandedmongoose #mongoose #hoedspruit #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #kruger #safari #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 26

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"Who's you behind the tree?" asked the wee little Dwarf Mongoose.
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Look at those tiny ears!
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This is Africa's smallest carnivore.
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Their bodies are, on average, only 20cm long!
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One of my favourite experiences in South Africa was playing with these cuties. Well, I tried to, but they have sharp teeth!
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A troop of these guys would catapult themselves into the backyard on a daily basis. They'd run a muck and then disappear as fast as they had arrived.
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I adore this shot because its pose conveys its curiosity and intrigue as it comes round the tree and realizes the tall (well, in my case, short) human is laid flat instead of standing. Haha.
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Precious moments to remember.
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #dwarfmongoose #mongoose #hoedspruit #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #kruger #safari #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 25

Open

It's thrilling to watch a lioness walk by your car.
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This was my first lioness in the wild and it was at the Kruger National Park. Such a great experience. Took about 45 burst shots to make the reel.
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #lion #lions #lionking #reels #trending #reeloftheday #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #kruger #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 24

Open

His Highness, Close Up.
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My first two lions in the wild sat together, up on a small mound, switching between observing the horizon, eyeing our safari vehicle, and closing their eyes.
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This portrait stole my heart.
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I love the strength in its pose, the curiosity in its eye, and the fullness of its mane.
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Can't wait to see more lions in the wild one day!
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #lion #lions #lionking #kings #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #khayandlovu #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #krugernationalpark #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 23

Open

Her Highness, Close Up.
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My first lioness in the wild was this beauty at the Kruger National Park.
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She left her cozy, slumber mode and did a walk by... twice - thank you!
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I love the details in this shot. Look closely, below her eye, there is a mucus-like discharge making its way down to her snout.
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #lion #lions #lionking #kings #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #kruger #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 22

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"Heavy load coming through. Please move."
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Swipe ➡️ to see a cute baby rhino.
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Today, as we celebrate World Rhino Day, I reflect on my recent trip to South Africa where I was blessed to see rhinos in the wild for the first time.
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I was hoping to see at least one white rhino but, instead, ended up seeing 7 white rhinos on one safari drive (including a nursing baby!) and 3 rhinos on another drive. Blew me away!
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Hunted relentlessly for their horns, this critically endangered species has faced an incredibly tragic journey.
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So, I was happy to see signs on the perimeter fence of various reserves stating that their rhinos (on site) are all de-horned. Hoping this helps to deter further poaching of these stunning Jurassic-like creatures.
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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #worldrhinoday #rhinoconservation #conservation #rhino #rhinos #whiterhino #whiterhinos #whiterhinocerous #khayandlovu #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #safari #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 21

Open

"You're in my way."
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Swipe ➡️ to see their non-retractable claws.
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I adore hyenas. This spotted hyena at the Kruger, and the others I saw in Hoedspruit, are all such beautiful animals: the cute facial expressions, the personality in their eyes, the sloping backs, the cute way they run, and their intriguingly white-colored poop.
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Took this shot at sunset in the Kruger park. I love the backlit hairs and the cute way the front foot hangs in the air.

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Fun Facts:
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Spotted Hyenas have 4 toes with short, blunt, non-retractable claws.
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According to Kruger mammal expert Heike Schutze, hyenas are designed for the long haul: "they are high-stamina hunters relentless in the pursuit of their prey once they have tasted blood".

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #hyena #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #attack #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #safari #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 20

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"Get out of my way."
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Swipe ➡️ for detail shots.
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Such a memorable moment when this curious Common Warthog rounded the tree, saw me, and beelined it towards me and my lens.
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I was laid flat on the ground, lens in front, clicking away. As the warthog began filling the frame (i.e. getting much too close)...
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... I heard a firm voice, from the platform deck above, say with urgency: "Time to stand up - now."
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That was dan.newtons warning me that the warthog is too close and would charge me at any second.
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So, up I stood.
Grabbed my lens.
Slowly backed away.
And, entered the gate.

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Fun Facts:
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The English name "wart"-hog refers to their facial wattles, which you can see in the photo as the protruding nodes on either side of the face between the eyes and tusks.
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I kept accidentally referring to them as "hogwarts." Maybe I'll convert anyone who reads down this far 🤣

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #warthog #hogwarts #hoedspruitwildlifeestate #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #attack #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #safari #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 19

Open

The Prince of the Night
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I'm still pinching myself: in Sept, I had 5 leopard sightings over 5 consecutive days 🙏
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It began in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate tracking leopard prints on foot with a friend during the day. We found where leopards were sneaking under the electrical boundary fence to enjoy the abundance of prey within the estate during the night (i.e., Impala, nyala, warerbuck, etc.).
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Then we came across the body of an Nyala killed by a hyena. Figured a leopard might come to steal the kill from the hyenas and decided to check on the kill the next morning.
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That night, we drove ourselves trying to spot a leopard.
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Bingo! A leopard lapping water at a lake!
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We followed the leopard, watched it groom itself, and then it disappeared.
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Found it again across the lake chasing waterbuck. One of us saw the leopard go right in the bush, while I saw it go left. So, we went right. The leopard stopped deep in the forest. So we decided to return to the lake and... surprisingly, we saw a leopard there! We thought it was the same one.
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We followed it round the bush, and I snapped this photo from 5 m away, in the pitch black night.
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Turns out, the following evening at the hyena kill, we would see 2 leopards... it was only then we realized it was a mother and her sub-adult offspring! So, last night, I had, in fact, seen one leopard go left while my friend saw one go to the right! We had been stalking 2 leopards!

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Flash photography for me is new, and I'm stunned at how much detail was caught in this shot.
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I also love that it shows how easily leopards can camouflage in the grass.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #leopard #leopards #kings #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #lion #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 18

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Pondering.
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Another first for me: a cheetah in the wild.
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This was one of two males hanging out together. Loved watching how they moved in a synchronized rhythm.
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They appeared to be a two-male coalition having a lazy morning; that is, till one decided to climb a tree, have a smell and a look about, and then climb back down. Great to have experienced that!

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #cheetah #cheetahs #kings #khayandlovu #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 17

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Regal
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This was my first lion in the wild, and, my oh my, was it special.
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Two males were relaxing, but not sleeping, and decided to cooperate for a photoshoot: look into the lens; gaze into the horizon; look quizzical; pretend to sleep; and so on. Haha.
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While inspecting this shot on my laptop, I became obsessed with his straggly lower mane. The hairs fascinate me, just like the hairs in my previous posts (i.e. the zebra's nose and the baby rhino's ears).

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor| South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #lion #lions #lionking #kings #khayandlovu #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods #bigcatsnaturephotography

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 16

Open

"On which side do zebras have stripes?" asked the baby zebra.
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Answer: Check below!
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With its dainty legs and dazzling stripes, this adorable zebra stood quietly within the bush as our safari vehicle crept by.
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The little one didn't realize I could still see its super hairy nose through my lens. Look closely - sooooo many cute hairs hang off of its nose!

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Fun Facts:
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Like white rhinos, zebras are grazers and have eyes up high on their head to help them see over the tall grass.

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Joke: "On which side do zebras have stripes?"
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Answer: On the outside!
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Did you laugh?! Ha ha!

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor| South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #monday #mondaymotivation #zebra #zebras #baby #khayandlovu #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn #nature_moods

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 15

Open

"Yes, I have hair on my ears," confirmed the little baby White Rhino.
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I pinched myself when I saw this little fellow. Felt grateful to see 3 white rhinos during my first safari at @khaya_ndlovu and then 7 rhinos on my second safari with them.
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This little baby nestled up to its mom and we watched it drink milk. Soooooo adorable! Weaning begins around 2 months, but babies can continue suckling till about 12 months. So, this little fellow is still quite young!

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Fun Facts:
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White rhinos are almost hairless except for hair along the fringe of their ears and on their tails. This fact makes me smile!
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A mother will give birth to just one baby at a time, and after 2-3 years, will chase off the current youngster before giving birth to the next.
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There are over 16,000 wild white rhinos in southern Africa, which is a big comeback from the early 20th century.
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White rhinos are grazers and have a broad flat upper lip to help them secure grass in savannah and grassland habitats. On the other hand, black rhinos are browsers and have a hooked lip to help them eat from bushes and trees.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm f2.8
📌 @khaya_ndlovu
📌 Khaya Ndlovu Manor| South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #rhino #rhinos #whiterhino #whiterhinos #whiterhinocerous #baby #khayandlovu #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #krugernationalpark #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Sep 14

Open

"It wasn't me," claimed the Painted Dog pup.
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On my first self-drive visit to the Kruger National Park, we were welcomed by a pack of Painted Dogs with around 12 pups!
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Felt so grateful to see these beautiful animals as they are on the endangered list. Look at their beautiful colouration: the mix of white, black, yellow, and brown. Stunning!
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Then, after a full day around the Kruger, at sunset, right before heading back to the gate, we were blessed to come across the same pack and their pups again.
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This 📸 is one of the young pups playing in the beautiful glow of the sun setting.

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Fun Facts:
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African wild dogs produce more pups than any other canid, with litters containing around six to 16 pups, with an average of 10.
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Thus, a single female can produce enough young to form a new pack every year. But, breeding is restricted to only the alpha female because many litters of 10 pups would require an impossible amount of food for the pack to acquire.

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📅 Sept | 2024
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm 2.8
📌 Kruger National Park | South Africa 🇿🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #painteddog #africanwilddog #wilddog #africanwilddogs #painteddogs #wildlifephotography #wildlife #southafrica #sonyalphasa #Kruger #krugerpark #krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #conservation #bbcwildlifepotd #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #dubai #nature_perfection #endangeredspecies #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 30

Open

Beautiful Mama Owl
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You might be surprised to learn that Pharaoh Eagle Owls often nest on the ground in exposed conditions. These magnificent orange eyes belong to a beautiful mother owl.
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Swipe ➡️ to see her baby 10 days later.
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Swipe ➡️ again to see the baby 3 weeks after that.
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For me, this 📸 of the mother epitomizes vulnerability: nest on the ground, babies exposed to the elements (heavy rain, etc.) and to predators (including humans), and parents working in tandem to hunt and feed the newborns without leaving the nest unattended.

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I happened across this nest last year, and this is one of the few photos I quickly took that day and then left immediately.
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For me, as compared to other owl nests (up in trees or in rocks) or fox dens, I always and only get nervous around Pharaoh Eagle Owl nests. It's the vulnerable situation of their nest on the ground exposed to predators that worries me. I don't want to attract predators or humans (who steal eggs). So, I stop to snap a few shots and leave quickly.
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For more info on the 2nd and 3rd shots, have a read of my previous two posts.

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📅 April | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #eagleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 29

Open

"I've grown up a little bit since you last saw me," said the baby owl.
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Swipe ➡️ to see this baby 3 weeks earlier.
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In this post today, the baby Pharaoh Eagle Owl is now about 5 weeks old.
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I had left 3 weeks between visits to help keep it safe from predators, as human presence often attracts the likes of ravens, who will happily raid and kill baby owls in their nests.
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📸 This little fellow has developed a personality (which you can see in its gorgeous, big, deep orange, curious eyes), grown in more plumage, and is able to walk around - but, flying is still a far-off future ambition.

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Vulnerability: for more info about the vulnerable situation these babies have to survive, please read my previous post.

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📅 May | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #eagleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 28

Open

Sun-kissed tiny owlet wings
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This is the definition of vulnerability: In the Dubai desert, Pharaoh Eagle Owls often nest on the ground, under the exposed roots of Ghaf trees.
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This leaves the newborns, who are unable to move (forget fly), vulnerable to predators like foxes, ravens, and cats. Also, I should mention poachers who steal eggs and newborns to sell illegally on the wildlife trade market.
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Fortunately, parent owls are feisty and can deter foxes and cats with their intense talons. In fact, this season, there was a case of a cat, who had raided a nest, being killed by the adult owl. Sadly, however, the baby owls didn't survive the cat.

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This newborn Pharaoh Eagle Owl baby was from a nest last season in May 2023.
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It was one of two chicks, but the other one died in the first week, shortly before this photo. It died most likely from a lack of food; the parents seemed to be new to parenthood and not as efficient with thier hunting, or there wasn't enough prey available in the surrounding dunes.
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📅 April | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #eagleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 27

Open

"Move over; I want to see too!" said one sibling to the other.
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Imagine being stuck in a nest with your siblings unable to leave because you haven't learned to fly, hop, or balance.
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To poop, you have to shove your sibling over, squish yourself as you rotate, stick your butt out of the hole, and then squeeze out a poop.
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Life at this age is quite... restricted.

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I met these two Great Horned Owl babies in Pennsylvania in April of 2023.

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It was a great experience but tricky to capture as the 2 little ones sat inside a recessed cavity, which was high up in a tree; and, to add, there was low light from the cloud cover. Oh, and I didn't have a tripod - the joys!

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📅 April | 2023
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Pennsylvania | USA 🇺🇸
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#sony #sonyalpha #greathornedowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 26

Open

"Could we BE any cuter?" asked these siblings.
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Taking a break from playing, hiding their food, and jumping on each other, these brothers took a breather and decided, instead, to hold still for a portrait shot.
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They melt my heart every single time.
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(By the way, they didn't call their 3rd brother to join the shot. He was off playing and probably didn't notice these two had taken a little breather.)

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 25

Open

"We're ready to take on the world!" said these siblings on their first day in the 'Real World.'
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This was the pair's first day out of the nest, taking in all the wonders of the world beyond the dark trunk hollow of the tree that is their nest.
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I was over the moon with excitement when these two owlets emerged from their nest for the first time.
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I'd waited to meet for so long... and my, oh my, were they soooo cute!

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🐦 Little Owl
📅 May | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #littleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 24

Open

What's your happy place?
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Mine is watching adorable cuties, like this fox kit, enjoying itself. It's such a privilege when wildlife trusts you enough to observe them.
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This is little Scarface emerging with his clipped ear and scar across his snout.
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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 23

Open

"Why is the sun so bright? I'll get a bad tan."
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By the time the sun would rise a bit, little Scarface would start to slow down and get sleepy. After a long night of rambunctious playing, early mornings are for sleeping.
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He looks like he could use a little cuddle wuddle.

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 22

Open

Peek-a-boo!
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"Wanna come play hide-n-seek with me?"
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This is Scarface when he was quite young. Love the curiosity in his eyes!
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This little Arabian Red Fox -- who was one of three boys last year -- would enjoy his mornings before taking a nap.

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #rawrszn

hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 21

Open

Behind the Scenes: I met this Barred Owl while hiking in Canada two summers ago. He allowed me to sit so close that it became difficult to shoot with my long lens.
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With tree trunks behind me stopping me from moving back, I had my lens zoomed out at 200mm.
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With that said, it isn't a problem I'm torn up about. It was such a wonderful experience to just sit and be with the owl in the beautifully lush Canadian Westcoast forest.
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📅 June | 2022
📌 Victoria | Canada
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sonyalpha #bealpha #barredowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #natgeo #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #natgeomagarab #bbcearth #bbcwildlife #wildlifeplanet #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #bbcwildlifepotd #bbcwildlifemagazine #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #bird_brilliance #birdsofinstagram #dubai #feather_perfection #raptors #elite_raptors #venueearth
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hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 20

Open

Behind the Scenes: In Oregon 🇺🇸, while driving in the rain along the Pacific Coast Highway 1, I spotted this Bald Eagle drenched to the bone and made a quick (slightly unsafe) car maneuver to stop near it.
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This was my first bald eagle of the trip (Summer 2022) and it was cooperative allowing me to get close to snap photos (perhaps, that had something to do with it seeming unpleased by its wet self).
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📅 June 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
📌 Oregon | USA 🇺🇸
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#sonyalpha #bealpha #baldeagle #baldeaglesofinstagram #natgeo #usa #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #natgeomagarab #bbcearth #bbcwildlife #wildlifeplanet #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #bbcwildlifepotd #bbcwildlifemagazine #nature_perfection #wildlife_perfection #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #bird_brilliance #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #dubai #owl #feather_perfection #raptors #elite_raptors #venueearth

hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 19

Open

Behind the Scenes: In Saudi, along the Red Sea, this Osprey allowed me to sit next to him on the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean crashing below.
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I took this context video from where I started, but then left my phone behind as I shimmied my butt to within 10m of the Osprey, swung my legs over the cliff, and sat next to him enjoying the view of the waves below.
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An indescribable experience!
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📅 Oct 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
📌 Gulf of Aqaba | Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
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#sonyalpha #bealpha #osprey #ospreysofinstagram #natgeo #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #natgeomagarab #bbcearth #bbcwildlife #wildlifeplanet #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #bbcwildlifepotd #bbcwildlifemagazine #nature_perfection #wildlife_perfection #dubai #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #bird_brilliance #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #dubai #owl #feather_perfection #raptors #elite_raptors #venueearth

hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 18

Open

"I think I just heard dinner close by," said the owl.
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This is the moment a chilled-out Barred Owl woke up when he heard baby birds in squawking in a nest close by. Shortly after, he flies to that nest and gobbles up all of the babies as the devastated mother watches helplessly from below. Yes, I snapped photos of the gobbling.

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I met this owl while hiking in Canada two summers ago. He allowed me to sit so close that it became difficult to shoot with my long lens.
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With tree trunks behind me stopping me from moving back, and my lens zoomed out at 200mm, it didn't allow me to get much of the environment around the owl.
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With that said, it isn't a problem I'm torn up about. It was such a wonderful experience to just sit and be with the owl in the beautifully lush Canadian Westcoast forest.

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Fun Facts:
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1. Apparently, owls have the best hearing of any animal that has been tested. All owls possess extremely sensitive hearing, allowing them to hear low-volume sounds that are relatively far away. But beyond that, many owls also have an uncanny ability to hone in on the exact location of a sound source.
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2. Barred Owls are native to eastern North America but have spread to the West coast, where they are considered an invasive species.
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3. Having 'colonized' the West coast in such great numbers, along with the effects of logging, Barred Owls have created competition with other owls for territory and researchers attribute this as an added factor in the decline of the Northern Spotted Owl population.
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📅 June | 2022
📌 Victoria | Canada
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #barredowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks
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hippo_in_the_wild

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Aug 17

Open

"I am very wet," said the eagle.
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This Bald Eagle did not seem pleased getting soaked. Even its iconic white head feathers are drenched to the point that they appear grey. I bet he'd have loved a hair dryer.
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You can even see droplets settled on his back feathers near the head (it's more clear in the full resolution).
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I love the ambiance in this shot: you can feel the dreary, grey, rainy day dripping water on you.

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Fun Facts:

Canada is home to more Bald Eagles than the US.
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The Bald Eagle population neared local extinction in the US in the 20th century; but, fortunately, by 1995, its population rebounded and bald eagles were removed from the Endgagered List!

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📅 June 2022
📌 Oregon | USA 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sonyalpha #bealpha #baldeagle #baldeaglesofinstagram #natgeo #usa #natgeomagarab #bbcearth #bbcwildlife #wildlifeplanet #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #bbcwildlifepotd #bbcwildlifemagazine #nature_perfection #wildlife_perfection #dubai #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #bird_brilliance #birdsofinstagram #planetbirds #birdlovers #dubai #owl #feather_perfection #raptors #elite_raptors #venueearth #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 16

Open

"Did you spot any fish?" asked the Osprey.
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In Saudi, Oct 2022, early in the morning, this chilled out Osprey allowed me to sit close to it as it scanned the ocean below the cliffs for its next meal.
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I moved within about 10m from the fellow, and he didn't mind. Wonderful experience for me, but not great when you have a long lens.
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So, I stopped snapping shots at that point and just enjoyed sitting with this majestic predator.
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Hung my legs over the cliff and enjoyed the osprey's views of waves crashing below us against the rocks.

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Saudi never disappoints when it comes to Osprey. During each of my three expeditions to the west coast of Saudi, I've been fortunate to spend time with these raptors.

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Fun Fact:
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Osprey are found on all continents except for Antarctica, and nest close to bodies of water as their main source of food is fish.

- - - - - - - - - -
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📅 Oct 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
📌 Gulf of Aqaba | Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
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#sonyalpha #bealpha #osprey #ospreysofinstagram #natgeo #saudiarabia #natgeomagarab #bbcearth #bbcwildlife #wildlifeplanet #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #bbcwildlifepotd #bbcwildlifemagazine #nature_perfection #wildlife_perfection #dubai #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #bird_brilliance #birdsofinstagram #planetbirds #birdlovers #dubai #owl #feather_perfection #raptors #elite_raptors #venueearth #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 15

Open

It wasn't me!
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Look at Tatum trying to act all innocent as he's chewing on this squirrel's head.
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What a great experience it was to watch this fox catch the squirrel, torture it alive, see the squirrel escape, Tatum re-catch it, torture it some more, then chew on it.
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Yeah, and I crawled around in the mud to follow the entire sequence as it unfolded. So worth the messy affair. Poor squirrel, though.

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Fun Facts:
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Red foxes are usually found in pairs or small groups consisting of families, such as a mated pair and their young, or a male with several females having kinship ties.
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The young of the mated pair remain with their parents to assist in caring for new kits.

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📅 August | 2023
📌 New York State 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #newyork #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 14

Open

Dinner is served.
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As ecstatic as I was to witness this predatory behaviour, I was equally amazed at how large Eastern Grey Squirrels are.
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That's one big meal!
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This is Tatum, the juvenile American Red Fox I met, along with his parents, in New York last summer (Aug 2023).

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Fun Facts:
.
Red foxes are usually found in pairs or small groups consisting of families, such as a mated pair and their young, or a male with several females having kinship ties.
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The young of the mated pair remain with their parents to assist in caring for new kits.

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📅 August | 2023
📌 New York State 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #newyork #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 13

Open

Practicing ballet, unsure how to pose, or excited to have dinner?
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I really can't tell what Tatum was thinking in this moment.
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He had his dinner laid out next to him (which was still alive, by the way, but traumatized); so, perhaps, Tatum was doing a little excited dance jig before playing with his dinner.

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Fun Facts:
.
Red foxes are usually found in pairs or small groups consisting of families, such as a mated pair and their young, or a male with several females having kinship ties.
.
The young of the mated pair remain with their parents to assist in caring for new kits.

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📅 August | 2023
📌 New York State 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #newyork #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 12

Open

Don't miss the pesky mosquito at the end!
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Love the inquisitiveness of these baby Little Owls.
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Can't get over how cute they are!

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📅 May | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #littleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 11

Open

Climb or fly, that is the question.
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This is the entire sequence of events leading up to the tree-climbing reel I posted yesterday.
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These two siblings had just fledged their nest in the past two days and were still learning how to use their wings.
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Well, clearly, one learned faster than the other...

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Aren't they so adorable? I love watching Little Owl owlets grow up; they each have such unique personalities.

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📅 May | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #littleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 10

Open

Help, I can't fly!
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It is nerve wracking to watch baby Little Owls climb up trees when their wings aren't strong enough for them to fly.
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I'm always scared they'll fall down, and, yes, they do.
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In fact, I have a video of a failed attempt by another owlet. That poor fellow did some Alex Honnold maneuvers to get itself back up while its siblings watched keenly from the nest.

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📅 May | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #littleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 9

Open

Mr Annoyed
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Ever had people squawking around you and you can't get them to leave?
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Well, this Great Horned Owl was mighty irritated because a Hummingbird and a Robin were both dive bombing it one afternoon two summers ago.
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Getting this shot was a massive undertaking, which I'll post about soon: stalked by an elk, got lost in the woods, saw this owl, almost got jumped by another elk, found the owl again, and then military-style crawled to this owl to snap some shots.
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It was a super shy owl because it was deep in the woods, half way up the island, and likely never sees humans.

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Fun Facts:
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With a wingspan of 1.2m and weighing around 2kg, Great Horned Owls are the 2nd largest owls in Canada; the Snowy Owl is the largest at around 3kg.
.
Unlike Bald Eagles, these owls make little effort to construct nests, and instead recycle existing burrows in trees or dead stumps, etc.

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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
📌 Vancouver Island | Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #greathornedowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks
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hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 8

Open

Mr Curious
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Flaco, the owl that stole our hearts, looking curiosily at a large dog walking beneath the tree's branches.
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I love that you can see the curiosity in his eyes.
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Last August (2023), when I was Stateside in New York, I had the privilege of spending one evening with this special owl, Flaco.

------

Fun Facts:
.
Eurasian Eagle owls are found, you guessed it, throughout Europe and Asia, and are both one of the largest species of owls and one of the most widely distributed.
.
Flaco was the Eurasian Eagle Owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo (Feb 2023), decided to live in the park as a free wild bird, proved it could hunt, and captured everyone's heart.
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Sadly, after a year of being free, Flaco passed away earlier this year (13th Feb 2024) after colliding with a building in Manhattan's Upper Westside.
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He was 14 years old and was loved by so many.

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📅 August | 2023
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Central Park | New York 🇺🇸
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#sony #sonyalpha #flaco #flacotheowl #newyork #owls #eurasianeagleowl #flacofans #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot
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hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 7

Open

Mr Chill
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When a Barred Owl takes a chill pill in the afternoon and allows you to snap close ups of it.
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Two summers ago in Canada, while hiking, I came across this adult Barred Owl who was sleeping on its perch, until it would hear a squirrel or small bird chirping. Then it would become alert and dart its eyes around like laser beams looking for potential prey.

--------

Fun Facts:
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1. Apparently, owls have the best hearing of any animal that has been tested. All owls possess extremely sensitive hearing, allowing them to hear low-volume sounds that are relatively far away. But beyond that, many owls also have an uncanny ability to hone in on the exact location of a sound source.
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2. Barred Owls are native to eastern North America but have spread to the West coast, where they are considered an invasive species.
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3. Having 'colonized' the West coast in such great numbers, along with the effects of logging, Barred Owls have created competition with other owls for territory and researchers attribute this as an added factor in the decline of the Northern Spotted Owl population.
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📅 June | 2022
📌 Victoria | Canada
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #barredowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks
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hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 6

Open

"Why are your ears always dirty?!"
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This mother Arabian Red Fox has her hands full always cleaning her kits' ears, which forever seem to attract sand, parasites, fleas, etc.
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Poor kits - always so itchy for them.
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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 70-200
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 5

Open

Scratchy, scratch scratch.
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I think "scratching" would be an Olympic sport these fox kits could enter and win a gold medal in at the Olympics.
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Doesn't the way they scratch make them look like doggies? So cute.
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Fleas, parasites, sand, etc. regularly irritate fox kits. All the carcasses left around the den invite parasites and fleas, which then make their way on to the foxes.

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #monday #mondaymotivation #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 4

Open

"Anyone got a cotton bud?"
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As cute as these little foxes are, they are covered in creepy crawlies. All the carcasses left around the den invite parasites and fleas which then make their way on to the foxes.
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Thus, all the scratching.
Well, that and all of the desert sand too.
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In fact, I got bitten a lot while taking these photos and it was not fun!

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Fun Facts:
.
As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #monday #mondaymotivation #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 3

Open

"I'm blue too," he says.
.
Doesn't he look regal in blue?
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Posing like a king on a balcony about to give a royal wave.
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While offroading in the UAE mountains, back in late 2021, I came across this special fellow sunbathing.
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This is a male Vindum's Agama (or Hajar mountains Agama), while my previous two posts were female.
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I snapped this photo with my Canon G3X, before upgrading to Sony 7iv, and, looking back, I'm impressed by the quality of this photo. My little amateur camera handled this shot better than I remembered.

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Fun Facts:
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Males are more vividly blue during breeding season while females have blue heads and rusty orange lateral patches (as seen in this photo).

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📌 UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Canon G3X
📅 October | 2021
🦎 Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi
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#herp #herping #herpsofinstagram #reptilesofinstagram #agama #lizard #lizardsofinstagram #macro #macrophotography #sony #sonyalpha #canon
#dubai #UAE #fieldguidetoemirates #Pseudotrapelusjensvindumi #natgeomagarab #discoverwildpaws #bbcearth #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #wildlifephotography #animallover #animals #wildlifeplanet #natureaddict #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 2

Open

"I'm also blue," she says.
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In a field of purple flowers, this blue-headed beauty lay sunbathing on a rock.
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Aren't these agamas so beautiful?
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Like the last post, this is also a female Vindum's Agama (or Hajar mountains Agama) who I came across while hiking back in Feb 2022 in the UAE mountains.

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Fun Facts:
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Males are more vividly blue during breeding season, while females have blue heads and rusty orange lateral patches (as seen in this photo).

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📌 UAE 🇦🇪
📅 February | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
🦎 Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi
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#sony #sonyalpha #herp #herping #herpsofinstagram #reptilesofinstagram #agama #lizard #lizardsofinstagram #macro #macrophotography #dubai #UAE #fieldguidetoemirates #Pseudotrapelusjensvindumi #natgeomagarab #discoverwildpaws #bbcearth #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #wildlifephotography #animallover #animals #animallovers #wildlifeplanet #natureaddict #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Aug 1

Open

"Yes, I'm blue," she says.
.
Swipe ➡️
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I adore reptiles. They are so beautiful; everything from their scales to the way they change colour.
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Came across this beautiful female Vindum's Agama (or Hajar mountains Agama) back in Feb 2022 while hiking in a wadi here in the UAE.
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This beauty was sunbathing and kindly allowed me to bother her for a few poses.

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Fun Facts:
.
Males are more vividly blue during breeding season, while females have blue heads and rusty orange lateral patches (as seen in this photo).

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📌 UAE 🇦🇪
📅 February | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
🦎 Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi
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#sony #sonyalpha #herp #herping #herpsofinstagram #reptilesofinstagram #agama #lizard #lizardsofinstagram #macro #macrophotography #dubai #UAE #fieldguidetoemirates #Pseudotrapelusjensvindumi #natgeomagarab #discoverwildpaws #bbcearth #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #wildlifephotography #animallover #animals #animallovers #wildlifeplanet #natureaddict #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 31

Open

"What will I be when I grow up?"
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Such a contemplative look, eh?
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Look closely - there's sand falling off this little fellow's nose. Always sand. Forever sandy noses on these cutie little kits! Haha.

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Fun Facts:
.
As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #mondaymotivation #sonyphotogallery #monday #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 30

Open

Hello.
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Cuteness overload alert!
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This is the youngest of 3 boys from a litter last year. He would follow his siblings around and was noticeably smaller in size.

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Fun Facts:
.
As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #mondaymotivation #sonyphotogallery #monday #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 29

Open

That Monday Feeling
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This little fellow melts my heart.
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How cute is he?
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He was one of three boys last year who would happily lay in front of me while he took his little siestas.

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Fun Facts:
.
As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #mondaymotivation #sonyphotogallery #monday #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 28

Open

"I See You, Short Lady."
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Swipe ➡️ for the full shot.
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These large yellow eyes get me every single time.
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Also, those ear tufts too! Aren't they so fluffy?
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This is the mother of the baby Great Horned Owl I posted 3 days ago (the fellow stretching his neck!)
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She was above me and, as I walked under the tree, she turned over her shoulder to inspect whether short little me was prey or not. Haha.

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Fun Facts:
.
With a wingspan of 1.2m and weighing around 2kg, Great Horned Owls are the 2nd largest owls in Canada; the Snowy Owl is the largest at around 3kg.
.
Unlike Bald Eagles, these owls make little effort to construct nests, and instead recycle existing burrows in trees or dead stumps, etc.

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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
📌 Vancouver Island | Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #greathornedowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 27

Open

"Say What?!"
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It's exciting to come across an owl while hiking.
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Two summers ago in Canada, this adult Barred Owl sat on its perch sleeping, until it would hear a squirrel or small bird chirping.
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Upon hearing prey close by, it would stand alert and snap its neck to inspect.
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That's the action you see here in this shot.
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The owl scanning to see if the prey is worth the energy required to chase.
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This time, it decided the prey was not worth it and the owl stayed on its perch, closed its eyes, and slept again.

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Fun Facts:
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1. Apparently, owls have the best hearing of any animal that has been tested. All owls possess extremely sensitive hearing, allowing them to hear low-volume sounds that are relatively far away. But beyond that, many owls also have an uncanny ability to hone in on the exact location of a sound source.
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2. Barred Owls are native to eastern North America but have spread to the West coast, where they are considered an invasive species.
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3. Having 'colonized' the West coast in such great numbers, along with the effects of logging, Barred Owls have created competition with other owls for territory and researchers attribute this as an added factor in the decline of the Northern Spotted Owl population.
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📅 June | 2022
📌 Victoria | Canada
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #barredowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 26

Open

"Aren't my kids a handful?"
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Mom, here, had had enough of her annoying Arabian Red Fox kits and, instead, came over to rest by me.
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She sat on the rock right above me, looked over her shoulder at me just the once, then turned and slept.
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It's as if she said: "Okay, it's your turn to watch over my kits for me."
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The kits kept playing until thier father came close to the den site. When he's around, all the kits dissappear.
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I love animal behaviour and watching the dynamics of this family was wonderful.

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 25

Open

"Does standing tall make me look intimidating?"
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This fluffy baby Great Horned Owl stretched its neck to preen itself and then looked over to see me watching it.
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Look at its massive talons compared to its small head. Looks unbalanced, eh? But, this shows how much fluff these birds have covering their slim figures, giving the illusion that they are big and fluffy.
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This young fellow had not yet grown in its might “horns” (tufts).
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The shot was from my first encounter with Great Horned Owls back in June 2022.

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Fun Facts:
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With a wingspan of 1.2m and weighing around 2kg, Great Horned Owls are the 2nd largest owls in Canada; the Snowy Owl is the largest at around 3kg.
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Unlike Bald Eagles, these owls make little effort to construct nests, and instead recycle existing burrows in trees or dead stumps, etc.
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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
📌 Vancouver Island | Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #greathornedowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 24

Open

Perched like a little ghost in the forest.
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These baby Barred Owls are incredibly fluffy - you can barely see their eyes! To me, they look like little adorable ghosts.
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This young fellow had impeccable timing. It woke up and emerged at sunset just before mom arrived with its dinner.
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Now that's what I call "on point" home-delivery service.
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Question is: did the owlet tip his mom?

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Fun Fact:
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Barred Owls are native to eastern North America but have spread to the West coast, where they are considered an invasive species.
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Having 'colonized' the West coast in such great numbers, along with the effects of logging, Barred Owls have created competition with other owls for territory and researchers attribute this as an added factor in the decline of the Northern Spotted Owl population.
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📅 June | 2022
📌 Victoria | Canada
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #barredowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 23

Open

"Hey, I like your car."
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Look into the owlet's eyes and you'll see my car.
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Last spring (2023), this baby Little Owl was one of the more curious of its 5 siblings. It would explore my proximity and make me regret bringing my long lens - haha.
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The owlets, at this stage, were the size of their parents but not as hefty just yet.

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Love these Little Owl babies - such personalities!

Last year in April, I felt fortunate to spend time with these 6 baby Little Owls. Watched them learn to fly, fight, and fry in the sun. Okay, not fry but they did take cover under the leaves when the sun was high in the sky.

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📅 April | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #littleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 22

Open

"Why did you bring your long lens? I'm right in front of you."
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If fuzzy wuzzy was a fox, then fuzzy wuzzy would be this fox! Look at its fluffy hair along the torso. Sooooooo adorable.
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Fox kits melt my heart every time I see them, and then, again, when I revisit the photos I snapped of them.
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This little fellow -- who was one of three boys last year -- kept walking toward me so the next shots (after this) cut off his limbs and, eventually, are all out of focus. Haha.

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 21

Open

He "thinks" he's hiding from his brother.
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Like humans, fox kits enjoy playing hide-n-seek. Also, I think sandy noses are a fashion "must-wear" for foxes.
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The scene: Totally unaware that his brother was creeping up behind him, this little boy was hiding behind a rock shelf, peering over slowly to scan the area for his pursuers.
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He was finally caught from behind and the fun sibling wrestling ensued.
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It was such a pleasure spending time with these 3 little boys last year.

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Fun Facts:
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 20

Open

Do you enjoy sunbathing?
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This little Arabian Red Fox kit definitely does.
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(Someone should tell him to turn or else he'll have a funny tan line.)
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Last year, tired after nights of rambunctious playing with his two brothers, this kit would sit and watch the sun come up.
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Look closely at his left eye - I love how detailed the glass dome of his eye came out in this shot.

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Fun Facts:
.
As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 19

Open

Mom, please feed us!
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Here are two baby Anna's hummingbirds, begging to be fed, when I was back home in 🇨🇦 two summers ago (June 2022).
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It was incredible to watch their mother fly back to the nest and feed her two little ones. When the beaks come out, you can see their little heads. It's so precious.
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Shooting in low light in a forest is tricky, while also keeping a healthy distance; so, I'm pleased this video turned out.

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Fun Facts:
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Native to the western coastal regions of North America, the females are these lovely shades of green while the males, as usual, are more flamboyant, boasting iridescent crimson-reds and reddish-pinks.
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Size wise, they are around 9.9 to 10.9 cm long with a wingspan of about 12 cm.

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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Greater Victoria | Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #Annashummingbird #hummingbird #hummingbirdsofinstagram #canada #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #venueEarth #birdfreaks #owls #owl #elite_raptors #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #Dubai #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 18

Open

Mom, bring us food... please!
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Here are two owlets begging mom, a beautiful Great Horned Owl, to go hunt for their dinner.
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Look closely, you'll see the eyes of the 2nd owlet peeping up.
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📅 June 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Greater Victoria, Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #greathornedowl #canada #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #Dubai #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 17

Open

Mom, please let me be!
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Kids rolling their eyes at their mother's help transcends into the animal world too.
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Last year, this mother Arabian Red Fox played with, scolded, cleaned, fed, and loved her 3 little boys.
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The kit in this video I named Scarface, for he got a lovely scar from playing quite hard.
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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 16

Open

Ohhh... I feel good!
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Doesn't this Stellar Sea Lion make you want to scratch too?
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If you're in Oregon 🇺🇸, you must stop at the Sea Lion Caves.
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It's North America's largest sea cave and the only mainland breeding ground for Stellar sea lions.
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This is a system of caves along the coast where sea lions retreat within to escape the onslaught from the Pacific waves.
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A viewing area has been built low down within the cliffs overlooking the cave cavity. You access this by an elevator... cool, eh? I'll post another video soon of the experience and the caves themselves (June 2022).
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You get to see hundreds of Stellar sea lions on the rocks and in the waves. Stunning.
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So wonderful to see into their world but still maintain a healthy distance.
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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv |200-600
📌 Sea Lion Caves | Oregon 🇺🇸
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#sony #sonyalpha #sealion #sealions #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #discoverwildpaws #wildlifeaddicts #earthcapture #animallovers #nature #usa #sealioncavesoregon #sealioncaves

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 15

Open

Careful - don't take out an eye!
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Look at the talons on this owl. Yikes.
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Two summers ago, I spent time with this mother Great Horned Owl who was enjoying some alone time while her two kids got up to no good a few branches over.
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📅 June 2022
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Greater Victoria, Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #greathornedowl #canada #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #Dubai #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 14

Open

Ohhh... that hit the spot.
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Filming beavers takes a lot of stealth mode - possibly more than other animals, in my experience. They really are suspect of any new shapes lurking around.
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Happy to have spent time with this family of 6 beavers two summers when back home in Canada 🇨🇦.

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Fun Fact: Beavers are fabulous swimmers and can remain underwater for a whopping 15 minutes!

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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv |200-600
📌 Victoria | Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #beaver #beaversofinstagram #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #discoverwildpaws #wildlifeaddicts #earthcapture #animallovers #nature #Canada #sharecangeo #beautifulBC

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 13

Open

Do you snack a lot?
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Well, this mother River Otter was constantly snacking when I came across her, along with her little one, two summers ago in 🇨🇦 (June 2022).
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Before this, I saw her demolish an entire crab!
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And, after this, she had another seafood item before catching a 4th and taking that back to her den to feed her baby.

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Fun Facts:
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River Otters can stay under water for up to 4 minutes.
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If their catch is small, they often eat it at the surface of the water (as seen in this video), while larger prey are taken to the shore to be consumed.
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Lastly, live fish are typically eaten from the head (which I'm pretty sure the prey would appreciate... I know I would!) (Wikipedia).

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📅 June | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv |200-600
📌 Victoria | Canada 🇨🇦
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#sony #sonyalpha #riverotter #riverotters #riverottersofinstagram #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #discoverwildpaws #wildlifeaddicts #earthcapture #animallovers #nature #Canada #sharecangeo

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 12

Open

Seagulls make a yummy snack.
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This Bald Eagle was busy ripping and shredding a seagull to pieces, while I stood watching close by from the @knightinletlodge in July 2022.
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It devoured the entire seagull, except for a sole wing that eventually escaped falling off the post.

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Fun Fact:
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As you can see, Bald Eagles are not actually bald. They got their name from the Old English word "Balde" which meant "white".

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📅 July | 2022
📷 Sony A7iv |200-600
📌 @knightinletlodge
📌 Knight Inlet | Canada
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#sony #sonyalpha #baldeagle #baldeaglesofinstagram #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlife #wildlifeplanet #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #bbcwildlifepotd #bbcwildlifemagazine #nature_perfection #wildlife_perfection #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #bird_brilliance #birds_adored #birdsofinstagram #planetbirds #birdlovers #dubai #feather_perfection #raptors #elite_raptors #knightinletlodge #Canada #sharecangeo

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 11

Open

Just a fox grabbing a bag of chips.
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Like us, foxes enjoy their snacks.
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They store the surplus from their hunts in spots around their den.
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So, when wanting a lil' something something, they can quickly dig it up, snack on it, and then lick their lips.
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In frame is a pretty Arabian Red Fox in the Dubai desert.
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For me, watching animal behaviour is what excites me the most about wildlife photography.
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📅 March | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 70-200
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 10

Open

May I come and touch your lens?
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This adorable, curious baby Arabian Sand Gazelle (still with its umbillical cord!) paused, stared at my lens, and pondered.
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Then, it changed course and began to walk quickly towards me!
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You can see a front leg bent and sand being thrown into the air.
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Great for photos until it was so close that:
1. your long lens can't focus, and
2. it's about to walk into the lens hood!
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It kept getting closer and closer as I lay flat in the sand, trying not to move, so as not to bother the little fella. But, eventually, I stirred a bit to alert the fellow and make it move away. Getting close to humans can cause its mom to abandon it and I didn't want that to happen.
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The next shots after this are all out of focus from being so close. Haha. But such a cool experience.

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Fun Facts:
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1. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Sand Gazelle population declined tremendously due to uncontrolled hunting and habitat degradation.
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Reintroduction programs are responsible for the many Sand Gazelles you find today throughout Al Marmoom Conservation in Al Qudra as well as other protected areas throughout the UAE.
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2. Unlike other gazelle species in the region, Sand Gazelles are the only species who can birth twins.

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📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #sonyphotogallery #gazelle #gazelles #sandgazelle #seemorewithnautica #natgeomagarab #discoverwildpaws #earthcapture #earthpix #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers #Dubai #uaewildlife #uae

hippo_in_the_wild

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Jul 9

Open

No fox, I don't want your breakfast - but thanks for offering!
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I'm pretty sure this young Arabian Red Fox kit came over to offer me its breakfast.
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You see, of all the food buried around its den, this little cutie chose to walk up to me, dig a bunch, pull out some fresh (stale?) meat, and stand there beaming with pride.
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What good manners. So cute.
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As I kindly declined, it turned and walked back a few meters before dining on its meat. It kept looking up at me as if saying: "Yo, you're missing out!"
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Truthfully, I couldn't make heads or tails of what the meat was... gerbil, bird... who knows?!

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Fun Facts:
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Remember the Desert Vixen I posted recently? This is one of her babies from this year.
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As compared to the common red fox, Arabian Red Foxes have much larger ears but smaller bodies. For me, this combination makes for such cute big-eared kits!

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📅 March | 2024
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 400mm
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery #foxkit #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

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Jul 8

Open

I want your coffee!
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I'll never forget this moment, last year, when this Little Owl started running towards me. Honestly, I think it wanted my Starbucks coffee sitting in the sand next to me.
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Look closely - do you see the sand flying? He was coming in fast, yo!
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Hmmm... do you think the little guy looks thirsty?
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Is he in dire need of his morning caffeine?
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Haha. He was so cute and friendly. Very curious and, I think, really wanted to try my cold coffee 🤣

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Love these Little Owl babies - such personalities!

Last year in April, I felt fortunate to spend time with 6 baby Little Owls. Watched them learn to fly, fight, and fry in the sun. Okay, not fry but they did take cover under the leaves when the sun was high in the sky.

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📅 April 2023
📌 Dubai, UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #littleowl #owls #owl #elite_owls_ #owlstagram_feature #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #best_birds_of_ig #nuts_about_wildlife #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #photoraptors #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #birdsofprey #birdfreaks

hippo_in_the_wild

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Jul 7

Open

Have you seen these 3 foxes?
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Here are the behind-the-scenes shots of my experiences with these 3 different types of foxes last year. Enjoy!
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📸 1:
📅 Aug | 2023
📌 New York | USA 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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📸 2:
📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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📸 3:
📅 June | 2023
📌 @bearcentrefin
📌 Kuhmo | Finland 🇫🇮
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

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Jul 6

Open

Meet the Desert Vixen
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Isn't she gorgeous?
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Swipe to compare this Arabian Red Fox to a North American Red Fox. You'll see Arabian desert foxes have much larger ears and smaller bodies.
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I feel privileged and grateful that she has allowed me to spend time with her and her kits these past two years.
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(If you're wondering why I've cropped in so much. Well, I haven't. She likes to walk by quite close to me and I'm fully zoomed out in this shot. The shots before and after this moment are even closer - I had to ask her to step back, haha. Just kidding.)
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She's a beautiful soul and dedicated parent rearing, hunting, feeding, teaching, protecting, playing, cleaning, and cuddling her little cuties every year.
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📸 1:
📅 March | 2023
📌 Dubai | UAE 🇦🇪
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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📸 2:
📅 Aug | 2023
📌 New York | USA 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #dubai #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #fieldguidetoemirates #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

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Jul 5

Open

Meet Tatum, my first American Red Fox.
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Zoom in and you'll see, in its eyes, a ring - that's my camera lens.
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I happened upon this handsome, young fellow (and his parents) in New York last summer (Aug 2023), and had the best few hours!!!
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I was ecstatic to witness predatory behaviour (catching a large squirrel) and managed shots of them hunting, playing, and slaying.
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I'll begin this series with a handsome portrait of the juvenile, Tatum.
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But, don't be fooled by his good looks. When I was laid on the grass snapping shots of his parents, he snuck up, grabbed my phone, and ran off with it! For real.
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I jumped up, left my camera gear, and chased after him! Luckily, before he could leap into a den with my phone between his teeth, I caught up to him, clapped and yelled which, fortunately, made him stop and drop the phone.
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Then I rushed back, phone in hand, to thankfully find my camera still laying on the grass - phew!

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Fun Facts:
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Red foxes are usually found in pairs or small groups consisting of families, such as a mated pair and their young, or a male with several females having kinship ties.
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The young of the mated pair remain with their parents to assist in caring for new kits.

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📅 August | 2023
📌 New York State 🇺🇸
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
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#sony #sonyalpha #newyork #sonyphotogallery
#foxyfriday #foxesofinatagram #redfoxlove #redfox #wildfox #fox #foxes #instafox #foxlife #foxlovers #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #yourshotphotographer #nature_perfection #raw_wildlife #wildlife_perfection #Dubai #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #naturelovers

hippo_in_the_wild

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Jul 2

Open

Do you yawn like this?
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How cute is Flaco here yawning?
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I'm grateful I had the chance to meet Flaco last August (2023), the Eurasian Eagle Owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo (Feb 2023), decided to stay and live in the park as a free wild bird, proved it could hunt, and captured everyone's heart before he passed away in Feb 2024.

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📅 August | 2023
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Central Park | New York 🇺🇸
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#sony #sonyalpha #flaco #flacotheowl #newyork #owls #eurasianeagleowl #flacofans #elite_owls_ #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot

hippo_in_the_wild

View

Jul 1

Open

Flaco, NYC's Beloved Owl
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I'm grateful I had the chance to meet Flaco last August (2023), the Eurasian Eagle Owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo (Feb 2023), decided to stay and live in the park as a free wild bird, proved it could hunt, and captured everyone's heart before he passed away in Feb 2024.
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It was my first time seeing a Euroasian Eagle Owl in the wild, and they are mighty large! A big fluff ball.

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Thanks to @davidlei and @stellastwitterreplacement for guiding me in finding Flaco that day last August. Central Park is a massive place!

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📅 August | 2023
📱 Samsung S22 Ultra
📷 Sony A7iv | 200-600
📌 Central Park | New York 🇺🇸
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#sony #sonyalpha #flaco #flacotheowl #newyork #owls #eurasianeagleowl #flacofans #elite_owls_ #reels #reelsofinstagram #videooftheday #owlsofinstagram #elite_raptors #birds_nature #nuts_about_birds #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #feather_features #birds_captures #sonyphotogallery #Dubai #bbcearth #bbcwildlifemagazine #bbcwildlifepotd #wildlife #wildlifephotography #natgeowildlife #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot

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About Me

Discover the Passion Behind Rocky Adventures

“Rocky Adventures” perfectly captures the spontaneous (and often times dodgy) situations I find myself in – be it braving cliff edges, driving rims of volacanoes, getting stalked by large elk, watching a fox steal my phone, or climbing into caves full of bones.

Hi, my name is Rocky Chu and I love offorading and photographing wildlife. As a Canadian based in Dubai, and who spent a thrilling childhood in Nigeria, I’ve been fortunate to drive through and explore a lot of the Middle East. This space is to share these wild adventures and wildlife prints with you and and your friends.

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Exploring Offroad, Stalking Wildlife

Welcome to my brandof shenaniganz

Solo Saudi Expedition 2025

PrintShop

PhotoGallery

Wildlife ProjectsPhotography

Tours Available

Gear Advice

My Solo Saudi Trip

10,000 km20 Days1 Person1 Car0 Tent

Signed PrintsAvailable

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Discover the Passion Behind Rocky Adventures

“Rocky Adventures” perfectly captures the spontaneous (and often times dodgy) situations I find myself in – be it braving cliff edges, driving rims of volacanoes, getting stalked by large elk, watching a fox steal my phone, or climbing into caves full of bones.

Want to Get in Touch?

Exploring Offroad,
Stalking Wildlife

Welcome to my brand
of shenaniganz

Solo Saudi
Expedition 2025

Print
Shop

Photo
Gallery

Wildlife Projects
Photography

Tours
Available

Gear
Advice

10,000 km

20 Days

1 Person

1 Car

0 Tent

Signed Prints
Available