So I’ve been thinking about what to write about on my first blog for Africa Geographic for about 2 months now…I’m normally overflowing with stuff to write about and share but this time I almost got ‘stage-fright’. Well, I’m over that now and I thought I would start off with something simple and graceful, instead of breaking down the door with a bang.
The Impala.
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.
The enjoyment is visible on this young buck’s face as a Red-Billed Oxpecker applies some TLC. ©Morkel Erasmus
visible in their eyes here. ©Morkel Erasmus
There you have it. I hope these images have inspired you to stay just a few minutes longer at your next impala sighting. Let’s appreciate all the wonderful critters on the African continent.
