Parasol Maintenance

[Callie de Wet]

Ground Squirrel, Xerus inauris, Kingdom: Animalia (Animals), Phylum: Chordata (Vertebrates), Class: Mammalia (Mammals), Rodentia: (Rodents) ,Sciuridae: (Squirrels), Waaierstertmeerkat
Nikkor 200-400 F/4G ED-IF-AFS VR; Nikon D300; Matrix metering; 240 mm; F/8; 1/2500; ISO 800; AP; -0,07EV; 07h16AM
Caught this one in Nossob camp early in the morning "working" his tail - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
They use their bushy tails as parasols to ward of the heat and sun. One often sees them with the tail held erect or bend over their backs. A cute rodent.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4248340570_31c014b70b_o.jpg

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Callie, good behavioural image, and I like the angle. If anything, I would take a tad off the RHS.

[Callie de Wet]

Thanks Stuart, I was wondering about that too.

[Isak Pretorius]

Cool image Callie! Agree with Stuart... maybe a tiny bit off the RHS?

I heard a little bird say that you got photo's of the TR leopard with cubs? Would love to see that!! Hope you had a great time in the KTP!

[Callie de Wet]

Hi Isak
Yes She was more than accommodating - > 300 shots of her with the 600, 200-400 and the 18-200. Saw her 5x. She was carrying the cub up the dune escarp about 2-3 km from TR. Saw her about 2 minutes and snapped about 60 shots before she disappeared over the top. Had to drive along as well and stop 2-3 times in this space. Handholding the 600 and beanbagging it, as required. Took my breath away! Maybe not the best shots like in the tree or on the dune, but magic to see. I rate this sighting better than what I have seen in Sabi Sands on my previous 3 visits there.
Groetnis
Callie

[Isak Pretorius]

Wow, that's incredible! It's worth staying at TR and driving that road up and down all day! He he! Thanks for the info!

[David Fletcher]

Nice one Callie. Looks like the lads have your number, :D. Be good to see those Leopard shots from TR. Thanks for sharing this. :)

[Morkel Erasmus]

very cute shots, like these guys a lot. agree with Stu on losing some space out right.
still VERY green about your leopard sighting and will be watching this space...
:)

[Betsie Storm]

Belated welcome, Callie! Very nice action shot, that would have fitted in well with "squirrel week" a month or more ago. I have never seen them do this, adds nicely to various behavioural images. Looking forward to may more from you, especially that TR leopard:)