Africa - Through the Eyes of Carlos Lopes

Africa

Through the Eyes of Carlos Lopes

Redwinged Starling

Particularly in the Mpumalanga area of South Africa, where this photo was taken, this member of the Starling family with it's characteristic red wing plumage, is found in groups of 20 or more. The most difficult part of photographing this bird is singling one out from the flock. I was indeed lucky to be able to do it and draw a quizzical look from it also.

White Rhino

Another one of the Big Five (although some hunters will tell you it should be the Black Rhino), it is largest of the African rhinos and the easiest to find in the bush, as it is an animal of habits. It will go to it's midden at regular intervals. Called white rhinos (a misnomer derived from the original wide-mouth rhino name given to it by Boers in Africa), is a grazer, whereas the black rhino is a browser. The latter is extremely aggressive in nature, contrary to the former, which is rather placid... until you approach it when it has a calf.

Niassa Sunset

Another one of the hidden gems of Africa, in the northern section of Mozambique, waiting patiently again paid off in the capturing of this image. If you're using slides, meter for the highlights, and if using print film go for the shadows.

Lappetfaced Vulture

The king has landed. The largest of the Vultures, the Lappetfaced approaches the kill confidently and defiantly... it's the strongest and gets the king's share at this kill. Mainly confined to the game parks in southern Africa, the king is found in pairs or alone. They are capable of hunting and killing certain mammal prey, such as the fast scrub hare, so they're not exactly slow. I have seen them catching fish (barbels or catfish), especially in the drying lagoons during the winter months. It's wingspan reaches 2.60 metres.