This leopard was watching an unsuspecting herd of impala as they slowly moved toward the tree. Unlike lions, leopards are solitary cats that hunt on their own. It’s rare to see more than one at a time unless it’s a mother with a cub, or a mating pair. I photographed this one in Botswana. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second.
That’s a great question Bill, and one that makes me very sad. Not because the leopard wasn’t successful. She was. I just missed it as we headed in for lunch. Only to be greeted by another group a half hour later with the story of how the leopard dropped out of the tree and onto the unsuspecting impala.
This is a spectacular shot! You captured the quiet drama of the leopard, in full hunting stare, ready to leap, perfectly framed by the tree. He’s magnificent!
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This leopard was watching an unsuspecting herd of impala as they slowly moved toward the tree. Unlike lions, leopards are solitary cats that hunt on their own. It’s rare to see more than one at a time unless it’s a mother with a cub, or a mating pair. I photographed this one in Botswana. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second.
Those eyes are captivating.
I so agree. The eyes are beautiful.Mesmerizing.
I agree. Leopards are certainly one of the finest looking of the big cats.
It’s a shame that this leopard ruined your amazing tree shot.
What a beauty!
Stunning!
Beautiful leopard, Sean, & you also captured a bee flying to the right of the leopard’s right ear. Botswana habitat for all creatures great & small!
Ha, yes, a two for one.
Great capture. The question was this leopard successful with the impala and were you able to capture it?
That’s a great question Bill, and one that makes me very sad. Not because the leopard wasn’t successful. She was. I just missed it as we headed in for lunch. Only to be greeted by another group a half hour later with the story of how the leopard dropped out of the tree and onto the unsuspecting impala.
Gorgeous shot but in real life if I had spotted this leopard in that tree I would probably have peed my pants.
Ha. She had no interest in us. All about those delicious impala.
This is a spectacular shot! You captured the quiet drama of the leopard, in full hunting stare, ready to leap, perfectly framed by the tree. He’s magnificent!
Thanks Laura. And yes, leopards very much fit the description of magnificent.