After almost a month of no rain during our supposed ‘rainy
season’ here at Mashatu Game Reserve, an interesting window of bird photography
opportunity presented itself. The water in the vlei area of Mashatu, close to
the Limpopo River had just enough volume to make for a perfect environment for
a variety of waders.
On a game drive one day we drove past what looked like it
would be an ideal spot to set up a mobile hide and test out what the waders had
to offer us photographically. With the tent erected the afternoon before, we
set off at 4am towards the vlei, the idea being to be ready and set up inside
the tent before the waders began about their daily activities.
Unfortunately for us the sun decided to disappear behind
thick cloud on the consecutive mornings of our attempt to capture the waders in
first light. Nonetheless, despite the not ideal lighting conditions the waders
still came to the party and this is what we managed to capture of them whilst
lying on our bellies.
Wherever you are situated
in the world, it is always possible to seek out photographic opportunity whether
it is a water bath in your backyard that attracts a certain bird or a staged macro
scene of an interesting insect you came about in your flat. Get creative, keep
shooting and you might be surprised with what you come out with!
 |
| Mobile tent (with a few adjustments) on the waters edge |
 |
| Blacksmith Lapwing |
 |
| Greater Painted-snipe |
 |
| Hammerkop |
 |
| Black-winger Stilt |
 |
| Dwarf Bittern |
 |
| White-faced duck |
 |
| Black-winged stilt feeding |
 |
| Red-billed Teal |
 |
| Common Greenshank |
 |
| Three-banded Plover |
 |
| Blacksmith Lapwing |
 |
| Cattle Egret |
 |
Cattle Egret
Photographs by: Kyle de Nobrega and Ruth Nussbaum
Text By: Ruth Nussbaum
|
No comments:
Post a Comment