Stately and graceful…and plentiful…this third quality I listed probably contributes to its undervaluation as a wildlife sighting or photographic opportunity.
In areas like the Greater Kruger Park I will give you a surety of 100 to 1 in odds that your first sighting upon entering the park will be impala. They just seem to be there in limitless numbers. Yet these populous antelopes can also provide some interesting moments, if one dares to sit with them a while and observe instead of the customary drive-by.
I get that many overseas visitors to Africa want to move on to “bigger things” given their often limited time in the reserves…but those that have a passion for watching natural history unfold will do well to spend some time with them next time you are in the field.
Here are some images I have captured of these antelopes over the years...
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| The last rays of daylight kiss and envelope this stately buck’s profile. |
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| These two young males show separate stages of horn development. |
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| A young fawn receives much-needed nourishment from its vigilant mother. |
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| Those who have seen impalas in rut will know that the males can really have at it. The intensity is visible in the eyes here! |
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| An impressive ram in the Mara Triangle (Kenya) against an oncoming storm. |
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| Dwarfed by the immense woodlands of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. |
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| Close-up study of this graceful antelope in the best kind of light. |
So that is my humble tribute to the Impala in the form of a photo essay.
Which image did you like the most?
Drop me a comment below.
God bless you
Morkel Erasmus
The close-up study.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest shots, in my opinion, comes from times spent studying, showing the animal's character, not by chasing big game.
Difficult to have a favourite...the first one is beautiful as is the mother and fawn, but all show them in their elegant beauty...GBHs to you, Morkel, for sharing your lovely photos...XXX :)
ReplyDeleteWithout hesitation my favourite is the Mana shot. It captures perfectly the that beautiful place in stunning light showing the Impala in its natural habitat. Love it.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the first shot, head & shoulders portrait - it captures the essence of this beautiful antelope. Favourite times for viewing them are the rutting season and when the new lambs arrive.
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