These guys also go by the name of milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl. They are widespread throughout sub-Sahara Africa. I came across these two large chicks just north of the Masai Mara in Kenya. Their mother was off hunting while they slept, groomed each other and engaged in a bit of casual small talk I suppose.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 360mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/200th of a second

This young black-backed jackal was resting along the side of the road in the Masai Mara, seemingly unconcerned, relaxed and smiling at us as we drove by. These guys are pretty widespread throughout eastern and southern Africa. Interesting fact is that they have changed very little since Pleistocene, unlike other canids.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/640th of a second

A topi mother and her calf continue to graze as the sun sets on the Masai Mara of Kenya.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 280mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/1600th of a second

There’s been a lot of talk of elephants in the news this past week. I don’t like to get political on this blog, but let’s just hope the president has come to his senses and sticks to his word about keeping the Obama ban on elephant carcasses into the United States. Granted his change of heart has been spurred by public outcry, but he has promised to review the issue further this week and doubts he will side with those that say we must kill elephants to save elephants. I’ve heard all the arguments about trophy hunting actually being a good thing for the conservation of the species and none of them seem to hold any water. Other than the obvious illogic of killing an endangered animal to help save it, the money from these hunts benefits the hunting outfitters and corrupt local officials, not any legitimate conservation efforts. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to observe elephants in the wild knows that they are among the planet’s most majestic creatures, while anyone who needs one of their heads stuffed and mounted on a wall in their home, has a host of other issues to deal with. So c’mon Mr. President, make this be the week that I can like you. At least for a little while. As for the two beauties above, they were photographed on the plains of Ol Pajeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second

The dik dik is one of the smallest of the African antelope species. And when I say small I mean that these guys aren’t much larger than a jackrabbit in size. This one was spotted in the Olare Orok Conservancy just north of the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/400th of a second

The galago, better known as the bush baby, is a small African primate with big eyes — adapted for its nocturnal behavior. I spotted this little guy one night while we were returning late from a game drive in Laikipia, Kenya. It was well past sunset and all the night creatures were just getting up and about.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/6.3 at 1/60th of second, Nikon SB-800 flash

About five years ago, I posted a closer crop of this mother reticulated giraffe and her baby. Here’s a wider view which I think I now like better. I was in Kenya in November, the time of the short rains, which meant plenty of great clouds and lush green rolling hills — the perfect backdrop for all the great wildlife.
Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 150mm) ISO 400, f/4.5 at 1/1600th of a second

It felt like a lion cub kind of day today. This little guy was doing his best to look ferocious. In due time little man, in due time.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 380mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/800th of a second

It’s easy to see why these lizards are often referred to as the Spiderman lizard. The more common common name is the red-headed agama lizard, also known as the red-headed rock agama. This one was taking in the sun atop a rock in the Masai Mara of Kenya.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/8 at 1/400th of a second

Dik diks are only about 15 inches tall at the shoulder and about 27 inches long. They are very small deer that live throughout Eastern Africa. I mean, really small. They actually kind of look like a large rabbit bouncing across the savanna. I photographed this one smiling for the camera in a private concession of the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/640th of a second