The orange lichen found on the granite boulders of Binalong Bay in Tasmania’s Bay of Fires is one of the area’s most iconic features. The coloration comes from a species of lichen which thrives in the coastal environment thanks to its tolerance for salty air and strong sunlight. The lichen-covered rocks give the coastline a glowing, almost surreal appearance. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 200, f/20 at 1/40th of a second.
The Patagonian hog-nosed skunk is native to the open plains and scrublands of southern Argentina and Chile. It’s named for its pig-like snout, which it uses to root through soil for insects, grubs, and plant matter. Unlike its North American relatives, this skunk is more active during the day, especially in the cooler Patagonian climate where I photographed this one in Torres Del Paine National Park. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 350mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/3200th of a second.
Perfectly adapted to its swampy world, the top of an alligator’s head is flat, armored, and built for stealth. Its eyes, ears, and nostrils are all positioned on top, allowing the gator to see, hear, and breathe while the rest of its body remains hidden just below the water’s surface. The skin is rough and ridged, dotted with bony plates that offer protection and help regulate body temperature. Tiny pits near the snout detect vibrations and movement in the water, giving the alligator an almost sixth sense for approaching prey. In this image, I went very tight on the head and eyes from directly above the gator. Shot in Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/400th of a second.
The kori bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds on Earth, with males weighing up to 40 pounds. That said, they don’t fly much, preferring to walk with slow, stately steps across the African grasslands. I was able to lower the camera to the ground for an intimate view of this guy in his environment during the green season in Kenya. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 180, f/4 at 1/1250th of a second, inverted tripod and remote trigger.
A herd of Cape buffalo is a formidable force on the African savanna. These tightly knit groups offer safety in numbers, with older bulls and cows forming a protective wall around calves when predators lurk nearby. Known for their unpredictable temper and unwavering loyalty to the herd, Cape buffalo have been seen turning back to rescue companions from lions. Their collective strength, combined with sharp memory and strong social bonds, makes them one of Africa’s most respected and resilient grazers. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 97mm) ISO 360, f/2.8 at 1/1600th of a second.
What the Falkland thrush lacks in the way of colorful plumage, it makes up for with its spectacular song. This one was performing for the local elephant seals on Carcass Island. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 260mm) ISO 400, f/6.3 at 1/1600th of a second.
Impala are without a doubt the most common mammal that we see on our East African safaris. Because of that, guests tend to overlook them after awhile. But they sure are elegant looking antelope. This male was posing for us in the golden light of early morning. If you want to see just how common they are, join us in June when we go back to Kenya and Uganda (www.cranewildlifetours.com). Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/160th of a second.
Vervet monkeys are just one of the species we regularly see around the camp we stay at in Samburu, Kenya on Crane Wildlife Tours. If you’ve been thinking of an African adventure and want to join one of our tours, we have a few openings for June of 2026. Check out www.cranewildlifetours.com for general info on our trips and reach out if interested in joining us soon. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1100, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second.
The leopard is the most elusive of the big cats, silent, solitary, and supremely adaptable. It blends effortlessly into everything from dense forests to rocky hills and open savannas. I caught this female, mid-morning, scanning the savanna from up in a tree. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1250, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
The black-backed jackal is found across eastern and southern Africa, recognizable by the dark saddle of fur running down its back. Though slight in build, it’s a skilled hunter and opportunistic scavenger, just as likely to take down rodents or birds as it is to sneak a bite from a lion kill. These jackals are often seen in mated pairs, working together with surprising coordination to hunt or defend their territory. They’re also highly vocal, communicating with yips, howls, and wails that carry across the savanna. I was alone with a guide in Botswana’s Kalahari Game Reserve, so able to get out of the vehicle to crouch in the tall grass to photograph this jackal at sunset. After a few quick sniffs of the air, the jackal moved on, searching for an early evening snack. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/400th of a second.