Tripped Out

Gallery: WildlifePosted June 30, 2011122 views3 comments

To my surprise, I was quite enchanted by the Giraffes in Tanzania. They are simply beautiful, with very childlike faces. We watched these giraffes for at least an hour. They were among a larger group, but by far the most fun. They were fighting (or play-fighting) as male giraffes do during mating season. It is common for them to butt each other's flanks; but unusual for one to try to trip the other. Our guides had never seen this behavior before.

Nikon D300;
Nikkor 70-200mm VRII @ 102mm
1/500 @ f7.1, iso 200

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on July 1, 2011 at 8:01 AM

Terrific action, Margaret, and the posture makes for great dynamic tension. The dust at the feet is a nice touch. You used the window in the bush behind them to the best possible, but it would have been nice if it were a touch larger. Fine as presented, but you might experiment with a little selective post processing by very slightly lightening the show areas on the faces and necks.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on July 1, 2011 at 9:10 AM

A very unusual (for me!) and compelling behavioral shot of Giraffes Margret, I like the way this image has me "seeing" the action continue to unfold in my mind, thanks for sharing Margaret :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on July 2, 2011 at 12:32 PM

HI Margaret, I also have never seen giraffe actually trying to trip each other, normally they go for the flanks indeed. I like the fact that you combined an action packed shot, unusual behaviour and a nice landscape into one image! I would have preferred a bit less room at the bottom and a bit more on top. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments