Giraffe

My daughter photographed this giraffe in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Occasionally a giraffe will pick up and chew on a piece of bone for the calcium content. This giraffe appeared to be enjoying its piece of bone, throwing its head back, almost like a puppy.

Tough Springbok

I photographed this Springbok in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. If you look at its back you will see that it appears irregular. Zoom in and you will see that it is an old wound that has healed. The Springbok appeared to be in a worse state than the rest of the heard, but only slightly so. Wild animals are tough. Most humans would probably have died if they suffered a similar wound, probably inflicted by a predator. Springbok reach a height of 75cm at the shoulder and a weight of 35 to 45 kg. It adapts its diet to what is available. It will graze in summer and browse in winter. It has a lifespan of around 10 years.

African Spoonbill

Another picture of an African Spoonbill. I enjoyed the way that it was looking at me over its shoulder, as if to ask "what are you looking at?"

Lilac-breasted Roller

The lilac-breasted Roller must be one of south Africa's most beautiful birds. It perches conspicuously and is quite common in the northern parts of South Africa.  

Goliath Heron

The Egyptian Goose stood in what the Goliath Heron considered to be its spot. The confrontation lasted for about 5 minutes. The heron eventually browbeat the goose into submission. Size does matter.

Black Crake

This Black Crake was feeding near here I was sitting. I enjoyed the way that it would quietly lift the edges of the leaves of the water plants to see what is beneath.

Goliath Heron

The Goliath Heron is the world's largest heron. I photographed this one having a mid-morning snack. The Goliath Heron reaches a height of 150cm. The fish in this picture was about 25cm.