Oryx Feast

Gallery: WildlifePosted April 5, 2012170 views3 comments

We came upon this scene in the Kalahari just after sun rise. Some predators had caught an Oryx during the night and when they moved off the Jackals and birds of prey moved in. There were no less than 18 Jackals on and around the carcass. Here a core group was feasting. I like this image particularly as all except one of the Jackals has their heads down. This was just after sunrise and the light was constantly changing to this rich orange glow.

Canon 1D MKiV
Canon 500mm
1/1250
F/8.0
ISO 250

Shot from my vehicle and camera vehicle support system.

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on April 6, 2012 at 1:42 PM

This is unique, having only jackals (and that many!) and no vulture in sight! Just look at the length of that Oryx horn compared to those jackals, that must have been a big male Gemsbok. Lovely vibrant colors as well. Personally I would crop this to a pano format by losing some of the FG and a little from the top.

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

Comment posted by Neal Cooper on April 6, 2012 at 3:22 PM

Thank you for the suggestion Vincent. I like the pano view.

Registered on June 3, 2009, 144 Posts, 306 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on April 8, 2012 at 7:20 AM

My first thought was "PANO CROP" - so I am glad Vincent jumped ahead of me and you already made a repost.
Nothing beats that early Kalahari light, but I do wonder if toning down overall brightness (using a luminosity mask) would not enhance this and bring out more detail...

Great sighting - you had a blessed trip!

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments