The orangutan equivalent of lounging in a hammock — he seemed quite comfortable in that convoluted position. This is a mature male, as evidenced by the large cheek flaps. Shot in Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesian Borneo. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 70mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second.
The giraffe weevil is one of the more interesting insects that I’ve photographed over the years. Aptly named as you can see, the males have necks 3 times the length of the females, although the ladies have long necks too. Males, like this one, are about an inch in length and it’s a sight to see them flying around with that extended neck. The adaptation helps them with nest building and fighting. Photographed in central Madagascar. Nikon D200 with Nikkor 80-200mm lens (at 200mm with Canon 500D close up filter) ISO 200, f/22 at 1/60th of a second, two Nikon SB-600 flash units.
We didn’t see much wildlife while on Block Island, but we did hike out to visit seals on consecutive days. The tourist info says they are gray seals at the point behind North Lighthouse, but I’m pretty sure this one is a harbor seal. They often mix together and share habitat. On the second day we saw about 20 or so that were resting on shore, but the first day it was only the heads popping up out of the water to check us out. The sun was almost on the horizon, casting a nice rich light on the seals’ faces. Nikon D850 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/8 at 1/800th of a second.
The L’Hoest’s monkey shares the same habitat at the mountain gorilla in Uganda. I came across this one while hiking in Bwindi National Park the day before going on a gorilla trek. They can be very skittish and this one only allowed me two shots before bounding off into the forest. Next week Karen and I will be vacationing on Block Island so I won’t post until we return. Not sure how the wildlife viewing will be on the island but should I come back with anything interesting, I’ll be sure to share. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 360mm) ISO 400, f/5 at 1/15th of a second.
These little primates are about the size of a common gray squirrel. That is to say, very small. A troop of them came through our camp one afternoon, hung around for a minute or two and then moved deeper into the forest. Like yesterday’s post, this one was photographed in the Hyacinth Valley of central Brazil. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (with 1.4 teleconverter for 550mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/160th of a second.
The jandaya parakeet, also known as the jenday conure, is one of the more brilliantly plumed birds that I saw in Brazil — and I saw a lot of brilliantly plumed birds in Brazil. Not surprisingly, these parakeets are commonly sold as pets and they can be trained to mimic words and sounds. In the wild they are widespread but rare. I photographed this one in the wild in central Brazil. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 280mm) ISO 800, f/6.3 at 1/250th of a second
This is one of the better looking snakes I’ve had the pleasure of photographing — the green parrot snake. They are classified as “slightly venomous.” As such, they pose very little threat to humans. If bit, you might experience some localized swelling and a stinging sensation which subsides in a few hours. Luckily, I didn’t get the opportunity to test out the experience. This guy posed for a few shots before slithering off into the forest of Madidi National Park in the Bolivian Amazon. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 340mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/40th of a second.
I’m not sure on the exact species here, but I believe this to be a type of rain frog. Photographed on a night hike in Corcovado National Park down on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 105mm macro lens, ISO 200, f/16 at 1/60th of a second, two Nikon SB-900 flash units.
When a herd of springbok are on the run, individuals within the herd will randomly spring up into the air. This is called pronking and it’s a way of telling any nearby predators that the pronking springbok is more healthy and fit than the others. A good way of saying don’t try to eat me, eat my friend here instead who can’t jump as high. Photographed in the Kalahari desert in Botswana. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/6.3 at 1/800th of a second.
Lewa in Kenya is one of the best places on earth to view rhinos in the wild. We saw plenty of both white and black rhinoceros. This mother was nuzzling her calf late in the day as they foraged on the green grass, courtesy of the short rainy season in November. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 102mm) ISO 800, f/3.2 at 1/640th of a second.
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