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Favorite Photos: September 2024

1st October 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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This is post 21 of 24 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) licking its paw

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). That tiny pink tongue 😍.

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) posing in a lilac bush holding a lute

The original photo was a bit meh so I played around in Photoshop and voilà! The little musician ❤️.

Close-up of an Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

The Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) has the longest bill of any living bird, the record one measuring 50 cm (1.6 ft)! However, females tend to have smaller bills than males.

📍Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

All photos were taken with Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

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How The Giraffe Got Its Long Neck

19th September 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Travel Wildlife

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Giraffe

This is a charming African story explaining the long neck of the Giraffe.

In the beginning, the Creator gave the Giraffe the same legs and neck as all the other animals; in fact, the Giraffe resembled the larger antelope. All was well until the drought came.

As the best grazing and browsing were eaten, the animals began to go hungry. One day, Giraffe and his friend Rhino were talking, “Oh, Rhino, there are too many animals looking for grass on the plains; all they do is trample the last remaining grass.” Despite the dire situation, Giraffe’s determination to find a solution was unwavering.

Rhino suggested they go see the man-magician, a wise and powerful figure known for his ability to solve problems. After they told him their story, the man-magician told them to come back at noon the following day, and he would help them.

Giraffe, filled with hope, went to see the man-magician. They waited and waited for Rhino, who, unfortunately, had forgotten the plan.

Finally, the man-magician gave the Giraffe all the magic medicine, including Rhino’s share. That potent potion made his neck and legs grow long. Since that day, Giraffe has been able to feast on the succulent leaves on the treetops, which he now has all to himself.

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The Origin of the Elephants

12th September 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Travel Wildlife

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Elephant

This is a charming origin story, said to come from the Kamba tribe in Kenya, explaining elephants’ intelligence.

Long ago, there lived an extremely poor man. For years, he lived with extraordinarily little, and eventually, he became very tired of his poverty. At last, he went to see his witch doctor to ask for help. “Go and see Ivonya-ngia,” he advised,” he who feeds the poor.”

When he reached Ivonya-ngia, he asked, “Please tell me how I can become rich.” Ivonya-ngia told his herdsmen, “Give this man 100 cows, 200 sheep, and 300 goats.” No, no, no,” said the poor man, “I do not want charity; I only want advice on how to become rich.” The rich man thought for a while and then gave the poor man some ointment: “This is a magic ointment. You must rub it on your wife’s pointed teeth. Wait for them to grow, then take them out and sell them.“

The man did what he was told, and within a few weeks, his wife’s teeth had grown as long as his arms. He took them out and sold them, for they were pure ivory. He did this several times, and he became wealthy.

A jealous neighbor came to ask him how he’d become so wealthy, and he gave the same advice, “Go and see Ivonya-ngia.” Soon, the neighbor was rubbing the magic ointment on his wife’s teeth. They grew and grew.

Unfortunately, the man had not been told to take the tusks out and sell them. Eventually, the woman’s face grew strange, her body swelled to an enormous size until she turned into an elephant. Finally, she burst through their little hut and she ran off into the bush. There she gave birth to a son who was a baby elephant, and there they remained.

That was the origin of elephants, a species still as clever as people.

How The Zebra Got Its Stripes
Favorite Photos: June 2024

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Favorite Photos: August 2024

5th September 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Australia Elephant Kangaroo Kangaroo Island Koala Marakele Marataba Safari Sea Lion Seal Bay South Africa South Australia Squirrels

This is post 20 of 24 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). This is one of my top favorite photos this year, likely one of the 2024 top ten.

Morning grooming routine 🤭. Kangaroo Island kangaroos, a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), photographed at the wildlife sanctuary created by Ecopia Retreat on Kangaroo Island.

Morning traffic, Marataba Marakele, South Africa.

A kangaroo joey tenderly grooms her mother ❤️. I photographed this cute pair at the wildlife sanctuary created by Ecopia Retreat on Kangaroo Island.

The kangaroos in the photo are Kangaroo Island kangaroos, a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus). Because of their long period of isolation from mainland Australia, the KI kangaroos are pretty different from the Western Grey kangaroos. They’re shorter, darker, and much cuter if you ask me!

That Monday morning feeling 😵‍💫. Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) photographed somewhere in the Middle River area on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

Moments like these are why I love wildlife photography 😍. Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) photographed during a guided research tour at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island.

All photos were taken with Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

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How The Zebra Got Its Stripes

26th August 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Travel Wildlife

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Zebra

This is a charming story said to come from the San people of the Namibian Kalahari Desert.

Long ago, when the sun was still new in the sky and shone too hot, the land had very little water. The little pools of water that did exist were so precious to the animals that they were willing to share, understanding the importance of this life-giving resource.

One of these pools was under the watchful eye of an arrogant Baboon. He declared himself the ‘master of the water,‘ his arrogance towering over the other creatures. He forbade any other creature from even approaching his pool, going as far as to light a fire near the pool during the cold winter nights to protect his ‘possession.’

One day, when the sun was very fierce, Zebra was searching for a drink. Now in those days of long ago, Zebra wore a coat of pure white. He came across the pool and was about to drink when the angry Baboon barked, “You dare to trespass! This is my pool, and I am the master of the water,” The Baboon barked in fury. “This water is for all of us,” Zebra retorted.

This angered Baboon even more, and he bared his sharp fangs and shouted, “If you want water, you must fight for it!” The battle began. The dust rose in clouds as they circled each other, their eyes blazing with fury. This way and that way they went, until with a mighty kick of Zebra’s hind legs, Baboon went flying high into the rocks behind them, landing smack on his behind.

Since that day, Baboon still shows the bare, red patch where he landed. Zebra, with the force of the kick, stumbled backward into Baboon’s fire. The hot sticks scorched stripes across his white fur. Shocked, he galloped away back to the dusty veld, where stripes and all he stays to this day.

The Baboon and his family remain high up among the rocks, where they bark in defiance at all strangers. When they walk around, they still hold up their tails to ease the sore rock burn of their bald patched bottoms.

The Origin of the Elephants
Favorite Photos: June 2024

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Favorite Photos: July 2024

2nd August 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Africa Elephant Hornbill Marakele Marataba Safari South Africa Zebra

This is post 19 of 24 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

I didn’t do much photo processing this month, what with summer vacations, gardening, and the Olympics.

African elephant photographed in Marataba Marakele, South Africa. Many people commented on the elephant’s long lashes on Instagram, but most missed just how long they really were. Take another look. Yes, they are long and thick near the eye, but if you look closer, you’ll see that they are even longer than you think!

A zebra walking leisurely ahead of its harem in the Marakele National Park, South Africa

A zebra walks leisurely ahead of its harem in the Marakele National Park, South Africa. In zoology, a harem is a group of zebras consisting of one stallion, several mares, and their offspring.

Two Southern yellow-billed hornbills on a perch

Southern yellow-billed hornbills (Tockus leucomelas) are also called ‘flying bananas’ because of their huge bills. This bird’s bill is remarkably large in comparison to its body and can make up to 1/6th of its entire body length!

Interesting breeding behavior: Once a mating pair is established, they search for a nesting site, often in a tree facing northeast, and construct their nest using leaf litter and bark. The female enters the hole, seals it with her droppings, and leaves a small opening for the male to feed her while she tends to the eggs.

The female lays 3 or 4 eggs and incubates them for 25 days without leaving the nest. During this time, she sheds all her flight and tail feathers, becoming reliant on the male and vulnerable if he is absent or harmed. While in the nest, her feathers regrow, and she emerges with new plumage when the oldest chick is about 3 weeks old. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks for the next 6 weeks. When the chicks mature, hunger prompts them to break down the nest wall.

Stay tuned because I’m bursting with excitement to share more about this unforgettable adventure with all of you!

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Favorite Photos: June 2024

2nd July 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Cheetah Elephant Giraffe Lapalala Lepogo Lion Marakele Marataba Noka Safari South Africa

This is post 18 of 24 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The King.

As you may have seen from my Instagram stories, I went on a safari in South Africa, a truly awe-inspiring experience. We spent ten incredible days first in the Marakele National Park, Thabazimbi, and then in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, where we were privileged to witness animals in their natural habitat, a sight that never ceased to amaze us.

A lion walking in the early morning light.

A lion strolling leisurely through the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve bathed in the gentle glow of the early morning light.

A lion resting in the early morning light.

Captivated by the serene beauty of the wilderness. Witnessing this majestic lion immersed in the soft morning light was truly an unforgettable experience.

Chasing giraffes and zebras! 🦒 Spotting giraffes in their natural habitat is always the highlight of any safari for me. I absolutely love animals with spots or stripes, so this was a dream come true. While some people rushed to look for the Big Five, I went after giraffes and zebras, LOL.

I captured this photo in Marakele National Park, Thabazimbi, our first stop. During our visit, we spent a few days at the Marataba Mountain Lodge, featuring only five suites and offering a breathtaking view of the nearby mountains. Situated in a privately managed area within Marakele National Park, the lodge is approximately a 3-hour and 30-minute drive from Johannesburg.

Imagine the thrill of spotting a young male cheetah on a beautiful golden afternoon while walking just a few meters behind him! It was just my husband, our experienced guide Brendan Vorster (IG: @brendans_wildlife), and me alone in the long grass; the quiet scene occasionally interrupted by the calls of birds and the sound of the wind rustling through the tree leaves. It was an unforgettable experience that we’ll always cherish.

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), the fastest land animal, can sprint at an astonishing 93 to 104 km/h (58 to 65 mph). Its body is uniquely designed for speed, with a slender build, long, thin legs, and a lengthy tail. The semi-retractable claws, a distinctive feature not found in other cats, play a crucial role in its remarkable speed.

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve was our second safari destination. We were incredibly fortunate to be accommodated at the Noka Camp, one of the renowned Lepogo Lodges. The five villas, perched on a striking 100-foot clifftop, not only offered awe-inspiring views over the Palala River but also provided a lavish and cozy stay. The lodge, a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, is completely malaria-free, a key factor in our decision to choose it.

Brotherly love at its finest. These two cheetah brothers always have each other’s backs.

Double trouble. Two young cheetah brothers walk gracefully in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve on a golden afternoon, the epitome of grace and speed. They moved effortlessly at a seemingly slow pace, yet we could barely keep up with them.

Mesmerized by the gentle strength and protective nature of this beautiful female elephant with her adorable baby following closely behind. 🐘💕

An elephant breeding herd in the breathtaking Marakele National Park, what an awesome sight! The mother in front was very protective of the baby, stirring up dust, flapping her ears, and trumpeting vigorously to keep us away.

Stay tuned, because I’m bursting with excitement to share more from this unforgettable adventure with all of you!

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Happy National Day, Sweden!

6th June 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Wildlife

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National Day

Happy National Day, Sweden 🇸🇪!

Favorite Photos: May 2024

4th June 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Garden Photography Wildlife

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Flowers Kungsträdgården Squirrel

This is post 17 of 24 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The sun is finally out, and the gardening season is in full swing! I’m either busy in the garden or capturing its beauty, which leaves me with little time for photo editing. And let’s be honest, who wants to be cooped up indoors when the sun is shining? I guess I’ll have to wait for a rainy day to catch up on some editing, ha, ha!

Here are a few photos I managed to edit from May: first out, the delicate cherry tree flowers in Kungsträdgården. I go there every year to photograph the pink fluffy flowers of the Japanese cherry trees, and this year was no exception. It’s such a joy!

A playful red squirrel because, you know, squirrels 😍.

Vibrant pink peonies from my garden. These peonies are from last year, and I can’t help but look forward to the magical moment when this year’s blooms grace my garden in a few weeks.

I hope you enjoyed these photos; there are more to come next month.

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Favorite Photos: April 2024

2nd May 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Australia Kangaroo Kangaroo Island South Australia Squirrel

This is post 16 of 24 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

Warning: cuteness overload! This little joey has got me wrapped around its tiny paw. Just look at those big eyes and fluffy ears! 🦘❤️ And that golden light! I feel so blessed to witness moments like these.

A Kangaroo Island kangaroo female (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus) tenderly grooms her suckling joey 😍. Incredibly, the mother kangaroo can carry joeys at different development stages in her pouch. She can also provide different nutritional content milk in her four teats to cater to the various joeys’ ages!

This is the same joey as in the first photo. How cute?

All kangaroo photos were taken at the Ecopia Retreat wildlife sanctuary in February 2024.

Squirrel on a mission: curiosity never looked so cute! 🐿️💕

Always looking ahead, even when the view seems a little bit nutty 🐿️🌳.

I hope you enjoyed these photos; there are more to come next month.

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Mihaela Limberea

Category: Wildlife

Favorite Photos: September 2024

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